12 Comments
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Chip Albright's avatar

Thank you for sharing, Sarah. Your presence is not lost on him even though 14 is an inopportune time to understand big picture things. I’ve lost family members to suicide and overdoses so it’s all too damn real and the system is full of flaws so you’re wise to have your antennae up but there’s nothing that motherly love can’t overcome. And, I get the sense he has zero doubt about your feelings for him. But, as a former teenage boy, we just sometimes need Mom to show that more discreetly cuz you know it’s cooler that way 😎

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Annette Rice's avatar

Love you. And Fletcher. 🫂

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Oh, my. Big sigh. Virtual hand hug, heading your way.

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Jim Sayers's avatar

Thank you for this thoughtful and significant post.

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Thaddeus Gunn's avatar

I too have a son who “goes dark”. That’s the truly hard stuff. Thanks for sharing this. Sounds like you’re trying all the right things. Much love and strength of heart to you.

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Sarah Scull's avatar

Right back at you. It’s one thing experiencing it, another trying to navigate it as a parent.

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A View from Here-Pat Shipley's avatar

It's so hard. Sending hugs to both of you. I made a similar journey. Triggered memory of 1998, The Post-Divorce Year. My 18 year-old daughter called and said, "I can't go on living this way." Fear. Processed with her making a call to the GP for anti-depressants; she was over 18. Hung up and melted down in my office. She reported back an appointment was made. Figured out a way to get her counseling,the two of us family counseling, and continuewith my own. Counseling was more accessible then. Journeys Mom's don't want to make. Anything to keep lines of love open.

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Deb Roberts's avatar

Hugs…

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Sarah Scull's avatar

Thank you Jim. 🫶

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Kali White VanBaale's avatar

Sarah, thank you for sharing this. The struggle is so very real in our rural areas, and especially for our young people. Crossroads Behavioral Health in your area might have better referrals?

Sending a big hug your way!

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Alison McGaughey's avatar

I’m sorry about this struggle and hope you can find the help he needs.

Thank you for speaking out about this troubling issue, and helping other parents and caregivers in the same situation know they are not alone.

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Sally Ripple's avatar

Thank you

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