A WATCH FOR A NEW BEGINNING
Wear this watch every day to remind yourself that time moves
FORWARD.
Wear this watch to remind yourself that each day is a
NEW DAY.
Wear this watch to remind yourself that you are
GROWING UP.
Wear this watch to remind yourself that
TIME WILL HEAL.
Wear this watch to remind yourself that
GOOD RELATIONSHIPS GROW.
Wear this watch to remind yourself of your
HARD WORK TO CHANGE.
Wear this watch to remind you of
ANSWERED PRAYERS.
Wear this watch to remind you that
YOUR FAMILY LOVES YOU.
Wear this watch to remind you that
THE FUTURE IS YOURS.
Wear this watch to remind you that
GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOU.
Wear this watch to symbolize your
COMMITMENT TO YOUR POSITIVE CHANGES.
WE LOVE YOU, J!
MOM AND DAD
WELCOME HOME!!
JULY 30, 2004
I wrote this for J upon his return home from the Blount Youth Home. It was laying on his bed, along with a new watch, and some balloons to welcome him home. J is in his third month home now and is still on track, with the exception of a few brief episodes of defiance. Defiance that quickly turned around when he was reminded that poor behaviors would not be tolerated, and that he could always go back to the youth home. Other than that, he has been cooperative, respectful, and fun to be around. He is settling in nicely in his new school where he has made the honor roll for the first six weeks.
Blount Youth Home is located in rural Georgia, on hundreds of acres of beautiful farm land. The boys are taught hard work, respect, and discipline. J spent seven months there, after spending 10 months in a previous residential facility with no changes in behavior. I have watched J change from an uncooperative, destructive, manipulative, uncontrollable, lazy unfit slob.... to a neat, physically fit (lost 30 #), well-mannered, cooperative, appreciative young man. He has now been home for three months, and although I cannot say that he is perfect... he is much more like a normal 15 year old boy. I cannot help but hold my breath, but I am breathing a little easier these days. Even though it was the hardest decision we ever had to make (taking J out of our home), it may have turned out to be the one thing that has saved his life. He has learned so much about life, and himself. He has learned that he has a family that truly loves him, and the most important thing that he's learned along the way is.... "THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!"
