Don’t give up on wayward child

Dear Annie: Like “Brokenhearted Mom,” I, too, kicked my son out of the house, although he was 17, not 21. I basically raised him alone since he was 3. We had a tumultuous relationship, he was into drugs and alcohol like his father, and I just couldn’t take it anymore.

He stumbled through life, eventually moving to a city 90 miles away. We maintained contact for a while, and then he dropped out of my life for a year. He would not answer any of my texts or calls. The only thing that kept me sane was the thought that if something terrible happened, the police would notify me.

My son finally contacted me when he hit bottom from a gambling addiction (on top of everything else). He asked to come home for a bit to get back on track, and I let him. That was five years ago. He is now 26 and still not where I would like him to be, but he is working and self-sufficient, and happier and more satisfied with his life. The best part is, we have a relationship again and often tell each other “I love you” – something I had wondered whether he felt for me.

I just want to tell “Brokenhearted” to keep the contact via text, voicemails, whatever. Don’t ever give up on your son. Someday he will need you and want you back in his life. – Blessed Mom

Dear Blessed: We are so glad things worked out between you and your son, and we appreciate your words of hope. Some addictions are too difficult to overcome, however, and parents must learn to accept that which they cannot change. We hope you know how fortunate you are.