On a mission.......

Okay - I am at again.  I just sent out an e-mail to the High and Middle school administration, as well as the health teachers, and the juvenile detective to make them aware of and to see if they can help promote the book "From Binge to Blackout" by Chris & Toren Volkmann.  A very strong advocacy group in the suburb next to us is running a program and has encouraged other communities in the surrounding area to join in.  The program is simple - read the book, form or join a book club about it, discuss or join in on the blog on their website, and then attend one of the area talks given by the authors.  It's written by a mother and son about his struggle with drinking, starting in his teen years.  I brought up this program at the community meeting our principal put together, that I was invited to, but he indicated that the school cannot participate because of a school concert that night!  Give me a break!  I doubt the whole school is planning on attending the concert!  I thought about it after he made that remark and contacted the drug counselor at that same community.  She said anyone can join and they can do it individually if they want. She was a parent at my son's school and she called the principal lame.  He asks for help but then wants to run the show himself.  Well, this time rather than just e-mail the High School principal, I sent the e-mail to other people as well.  I heard back from the principal at the middle school right away.  He even complimented me on the packet I created for parents.  Nothing from the high school principal.  HE IS SO STRANGE.  I don't know why I expected him to be more reactive and engaging since the last time I tried to bring awareness to the depression awareness and suicide prevention over these last few years.  But wouldn't you know ---- he finally responded to it.  Sure it looks like there has been an "increase" in depression and suicidal thoughts/attempts according to a survey an area university conducted but I thought it was significant enough to address it a few years ago.  So what does this guy do?  He sends an e-mail to all the parents about his concern and now want to "jump on it" and "take action".  He ends the letter with "This should be a fabulous informal meeting".  Fabulous?  What is he promoting a cooking show?  How about an art exhibition?  Whatever - I am just pleased that he is doing this.  Apparently, the parents expressed their concern over this study.   I have a few reasons I am so passionate about promoting and bringing awareness to these causes.  First - I've been touched by these issues by two of my sons.  JM, my middle guy,had depression and suffered way too long while attending high school and two, of course, my youngest, T-Man with his chemical dependency.  This is the time I want to give back and help others who are struggling and since things are better on the homefront and am more focused about it.  Also - I know T is struggling right now.  He is starting to hang out with past drug using friends more and he took off last night, even though he was grounded.  Whether he used or not - that is the old drug behavior I remember.  He also asked me a few minutes ago when he gets to see his outside drug counselor.  I am so glad I did found this guy.  T wants to see him.  The one we have come to our house is basically useless.  Soon he will be stepping down and soon T will be out of the system.  I am a bit nervous about that.  I appreciate the back up, particularily from his caseworker.  Well, it has to happen sooner or later.......