<p>Another round of congrats for your D, and also for you. Remember, easy does it. ;)</p>
<p>One possibility might be Furman(SC); they have a very good arts program, dynamite chemistry faculty. Dry campus & originally Baptist but is not at all "preachy" and is non-denominational. On campus housing guaranteed all four years, and the campus is absolutely beautiful. They do not ascribe to just turning 18 year olds loose on a huge campus; the faculty and staff are very involved with the students' lives.</p>
<p>*A depressing and sobering (gallows humor pun) footnote here. My D was caught plotting to leave her HS in December (Merry Christmas!)with a fellow student (male, multiple felonies, oh and a NC resident BTW) since they would both be 18 by that time. They exchanged letters via the large dictionary in the classroom. We are now pursuing extended guardianship instead of looking for colleges. Truly a depressing endeavor. Count your blessings parents and have fun and rejoice in the college search. Meanwhile we will be picking up the pieces. I had fun checking out the colleges and I know this will prepare me when my S is applying. Thanks again everyone for your kindness and thoughtfull reponses. Hopefully one day we will search again for colleges for D.</p>
<p>Kyedor:
Stay strong and we all wish you better days. We parents know how hard it is to enjoy life if a S or D is foundering, and we respect you so much for getting help in so many forms to your Daughter. When she commits to staying clean, she will begin to mature more in every realm of life, and we hope that day comes soon.</p>
<p>I am so very sorry for this latest turn of events. It is heartbreaking. I will pray for your family's well-being. You are a wonderful, strong person. Your D is blessed to have you. Please let us know how you and D are doing. You and she, along with the rest of your loved ones, will always be a part of our family. We care about you all.</p>
<p>Kyedor. I too am sorry to hear what you are going through. Please know that all of our hearts feel sad for you. Hopefully, things will change for the better. You sound like a great parent, and I'm sure some day you will get your little girl "back".</p>
<p>I'm sorry that your daughter has behaved in a way that is disappointing to you. It sounds like you have gone to great lengths to get her into a good educational environment, and just want her to be happy and healthy.</p>
<p>But - please don't think I'm being difficult or unsympathetic to you!!! - this doesn't sound like the end of the world to me. I think she fell in love, which is developmentally appropriate for her age, but with someone who is not what you'd like for her. But who else would she meet at this school? At least she's not using drugs again, from what you've said, and the scheme WAS discovered. Does this really change everything? Some of the earlier suggestions about living at home and attending a community college seem like a good choice, given this new turn of events. I understand the need for a residential HS for kids in treatment, and sometimes they are the only workable option. But it seems that a downside is that all the kids are dealing with some pretty serious issues, and that became her peer group. I really do wish you the best of luck with your daughter, but as my Mom used to say, "Where there's life, there's hope." or "This, too, shall pass." I think that sometimes the process of raising teenagers is just an endurance contest -- you just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Good luck!</p>
<p>Kyedor,
My sister was very much like your daughter sounds, right down to the felon boyfriend in high school. It took her a while, on a very curvy path, but she is now happily married to a very good man, with a solid job, and two children. Hang in there, better times may lie ahead.</p>
<p>Kyedor, there is not a soul alive who has raised children who cannnot feel your pain! Your daughter is only 18. I had a sis too who got into major trouble at 18 who now has many grandchildren and is looking forward to retirement. And like a good parent is helping all her family.</p>
Not to sound too trite, but when things are really bad, there's really no where else to go but up, right? Some kids just seem to be born with dispositions which mean that they can never do things the easy way. They always take the hard path, and have to make every mistake by themselves. I have an older sister like that -- yet she, and the rest of the family, DID actually survive. But I know it took its toll on my mother.</p>
<p>I'm still here momofthree! I find this board fun and informative and I can get a headstart on helping my Sophmore son when it's time. He'll be thrilled with that, right? LOL</p>
<p>Kyedor, you just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other. I know several parents who got extended custody. Your D is lucky to have you as a mom.</p>
<p>KYEDOR - I am so sorry for this setback - I know you hold such hope - and hope is not all lost - you are doing the best you can given what you have been handed - and it surely seems that you are putting one foot in front of the other every day. My thoughts are with you - there is still time for your DD to heal - so hold that hope in the palm of your hand and hang on to her however you can.</p>