so much better

OMG -  Last year, at this time, was the beginning of our nightmare.  Our son's first arrest was the end of June, followed by a string of them throughout the summer.  According to him his second was July 3rd.  For some odd reason he wanted to be released from residential treatment on the anniversary of that arrest.  He couldn't because his case worker and PO thought being released the 4th of July weekend was a bad idea.  Son was extremely upset, at first, but he got over it and has made remarkable progress, taking responsibility for his actions and accepting that he isn't in complete control over what he can or can't do - there ARE authority figures he must listen to.  He mentioned, however, that when he's released (MONDAY THE 7th) he wishes to be treated like any other almost 17 year old.....less restriction.  Obviously, we will have to have a sit down with him.  Before he's released we have to do a Serenity contract.....and, hopefully, it won't be as painful as I am expecting.  Last time we tried to write one up while he was in outpatient, he freaked out.  He's come a long way but this one thing is still going to be difficult......especially since he's not in school, won't be in outpatient, and might not have a job.  Lots of free time.  So....it will be challenging...... Oh....this is the week we have a fundraising booth up at our annual town 4th of July carnival.  The booth is for depression and suicide prevention - a program over 70 high schools in our county receives.  The first event is the carnival but most of our fundraising came from donations on-line.  We got a nice start at the carnival last year but this year...yesterday was very slow and today it's RAINING!!!  But I'm not going to fret.  It is what it is.  I hope to do better than last year (we raised over $3000.00) and came in second place - missing first by $80.00.  A friend gave me a $100.00 check just an hour after the contest closed.  And I continued to receive $ weeks after the event.  Guess I'd better start earlier so that that won't happen this year.  Boy ....is the weather lousy today.....