What goes on behind closed doors

Facebook, twitter, message boards.... even bumper stickers

So many ways to get your info out there.

So many opportunities to brag about our families.

So proud of _____ for making the ______ team!

Very excited for ______ for getting into ________ program/ college....

My darling husband just brought me a frozen coke.......

Love my wife, she just made the BEST meal.

Proud parent of a _______ school honor student.

Proud parent of a __________ school Student of the Month

You don't often read updates like:

My son is suspended

Just got told to fuck off

Drug Court - wonder what that's like?

Bumper sticker: Parent of a PotHead

I wonder what makes my son want to get high?

Can I trust ______ to ride his bike to the pizza parlor?

Is going for a walk around the neighborhood really just a walk?

Are his cheeks flushed from backyard football or something else?

But as I expose myself and reach out to others (I *can't be all alone, right?), you hear other things...

______'s son went to school in Colorado and dropped out and is now homeless.

______'s child went through a phase and was involved with drugs and alcohol. Now he's graduating and looking forward to college.

_____'s child had a DUI

________s are in counseling

The school's substance abuse counselor's own daughter was suspended for smoking pot

These are all middle class professional families.

Many of them working for NFP community agencies, or law enforcement or working with youth. Or ministry. Families that you would think would have the resources to avoid all of this.

No. We just don't talk about it.

Well I do.

Because I can't bear this burden alone.



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