<p>Also, nice opportunity to be concertmaster of the local civic orchestra and dust off his violin chops!</p>
<p>Thanks for all the well-wishes; it means a lot to me to get your continued support, as it did with all the good advice you gave initially. Somewhere buried in this long thread is S’s initial diagnosis–anxiety and perfectionism–which has held up through the last seven months of therapy. Right now, he reports that he likes having a therapist to talk to who will keep everything private and not judge him. He seems happier and is functioning well under his lighter load. That’s good enough for me. He has more challenges ahead, no doubt. But he’s got some more time to grow, too. Thanks again!</p>
<p>So happy to hear your good news, dec51995! Thank you for letting us know. I wish you and your son continued progress and positive experiences.</p>
<p>Cheers to your son’s progress, dec5. Those skills mean everything, and its wonderful he has the opportunity to acquire them now as opposed to “by fire” … Speaking as the parent of one who had to reinvent his habits/approaches by fire, of course, during CBT in university with the $ meter running 
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<p>@dec51995 thanks for updating us - I’ve been thinking about your son and his progress, and am happy to hear positive news! This gap year may be exactly what was needed to allow things to settle - hoping for all good things in the future</p>
<p>@dec51995 I’ve been following this post and am happy to read about your son’s progress, and your progress together. Congrats on being there for him, and allowing him this time to breathe, grow, and get it sorted out. It sounds like this gap year will be a true boon. Best of luck in the new year.</p>
I’m seeing you posting some exciting acceptances, OP…I hope this has been a good year for your S!
Hey, @gmf171! Those posts are for S2, not “down the tubes” S1! Yes, we had a super Saturday–acceptances at Grinnell and Carleton. I’ve been more active on the Grinnell/Carleton sites–and sometimes the parenting forum, but I still lurk all the time here at my favorite forum, the music majors! I check out all the acceptances and silently applaud everyone on the fruits of their labors. S1 has had a great year. He’s planning to start at Oberlin next fall. Thanks for checking up on us!
I am thrilled to hear your good news…for both Ss! Did S1 have to reapply to Oberlin or did they give him a leave (ore whatever it’s called?) My D2 is home now for spring break from Oberlin. It has been a great match for her, such a relief! There is an Oberlin College Parents and Families FB page to join if you haven’t already!
Thankfully, S1 did not have to reapply or reaudition, and his teacher held a spot for him in his studio. We were so happy the college allowed him to defer–it made the choice to take a gap year that much easier. And knowing that the college is waiting for his return next fall has helped him focus on getting better, instead of focussing on what to do next.