Very good 1 cents worth Brad.  My sentlements too.  

--
I would rather live my life as if there is a God, and die to find out there isn't, than live my life as if there isn't, and die to find out there is

IN GOD WE TRUST
Karen Carter  '74
-KC- Ministries


 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: MV <[log in to unmask]>
> Kathy,
> 
> He is finding out his actions and decisions might be taken in stride by 
> himself, but very serious by others around him. Personally? And this is my 
> own view, before I'd take Chris back, I'd not even consider it until he has 
> decided  he just can't stand it there no more, not one more day, let him 
> really feel why that is, the lifestyle, the value system, everything, and 
> then when he  has really had it, fed up to the gills? Then I'd  suggest him 
> looking at his budget and how he can fund an apartment of his own or go in 
> with some buddies on one, either that or learn to get along with Nikki and 
> family.  From all I've been exposed to in the saga of Chris' ventures, 
> which no doubt there are tons I don't know, I really can't see how Chris 
> could possibly learn responsibility of independence and etc and to respect 
> his family and provision, without having to have learned that for himself. 
> This would be a great tool in getting him to the plate with  the bat ready 
> to hit the pitches life has given him and the  game he chose to enter. He's 
> got what four months until he is out of high  school? Provided he 
> graduates... I'm not certain of your confidence in that based off your 
> report of school. The long and short of my point is, take him back now or 
> even if he looks like he has made some changes, and based off your passed 
> recounts of his behavior, he'll be 25 years old and still living at home 
> hanging with the guys. Desperation creates innovation. How many times in 
> life have we been faced with very tough situations and decisions, many of 
> which had nothing to do with our own choosing, and it was working through 
> that situation which made us stronger and confident in life? Oh Lord, 
> *looking upwards* don't take that as a plea for hard times for any of us 
> hahahaah. But it is true nonetheless. I am in the midst of such a lesson 
> with my son, but he is learning and showing signs of responsibility. I 
> bailed him out once financially but not this time and he is forced to deal 
> with those he  deals with, the bank, credit card, etc. How can they learn 
> to appreciate the help they've been given if not had to fend for themselves 
> first hand. That is my 1and a half cents worth.
> 
> Brad