About Us > Success Stories > A Letter from Mom
A Letter from Mom
I hope that you remember me and my beautiful daughter, Emma. We attended the Parenting with Love and Limits class that you taught in the spring. I wanted to give you an update on how Emma is doing so that you can really know the success of what you do..
The change in Emma has been nothing short of a miracle. After taking that class, and forcing us to do things that we had not done in many months, Emma and I sort of began again. It started with a chat on the front porch until 4:00 a.m. about two weeks after your class ended. We hugged, cried and talked: something that we had needed to do for a long time. Instead of reacting the old way, your class taught me to react without reaction. I learned to listen and not take things so personally. She didn’t yank my chain, or, as the class talked about, “push my buttons.” I think she was surprised at my new self. Kind of even was proud of myself. But, my new reaction got a new reaction from Emma. It was good, really good. I think she began to feel like she could tell me anything and I would always love her.
We continued with our road to recovery, including her being more respectful, more honest and more open. The change in her has been amazing to watch.
She has been clean since the class, and the one time she smoked pot she actually told me, took her punishment gracefully, and we all moved on. She actually tells people she is happy now, and more confident. She finished 10th grade with all A’s and B’s and even started 11th grade last spring. She is working at Old Navy and seems to love it. She has new friends, ones who don’t do drugs, don’t drink, and don’t run away, don’t get into trouble and have good parents. And she is seeing her counselor regularly, and really likes that. She hugs me and kisses me all the time. She comes home early when she is out because she knows I am tired and it is hard to wait up for her late when I have to work the next day. Unbelievable, huh? She even understands when we remind her to “make good choices.” She tells us that she has lately and the bad days are behind her. She tells us not to worry, her bad choice days are over!!!! She calls those days “a learning experience in life she went through”. You would not believe the difference. It is the most amazing thing I have ever witnessed as a parent. To see my girl happy and smiling and laughing is so very nice. We spend lots of time together now, and it is fun. We have implemented the “bonus” part of the contract. She is studying and will get her driver’s permit next week. Her car is waiting for her in the garage. She deserves it. She has worked really hard the past six months.
So, you guys, know that you and the class were part of the process that helped Sam and I become better parents and helped Emma learn limits so that she now can be a successful young adult. I wish you could see her now so you could see the fruits of your labor. I am telling you, you would not believe the difference. She has decided to go to Junior College. Another miracle!!! She hopes you remember that you offered her a scholarship for her books. Believe me she hasn’t forgotten.
Know that I am both eternally grateful to you for the time you spent with Emma and me. I think it is because of you that our relationship began to heal and improve. How can I ever thank you both. What words can a parent use to express her appreciation for teaching her how to get her daughter back on a good path? There are just no words that will do.
