I'm sorry it's been awhile since I posted anything.  I have no excuse.  I can't say I got busy.  I can say I forgot.  The days blend together in a miasma of all the same until I can't tell if it's a week day or the weekend, but that still isn't an excuse.  Since his birthday A has been having trouble coming to grips with what is expected of him. His showers are now lasting longer than a full day's work.  He washes his hands every few minutes and if he isn't watching something he's up pacing the floor constantly.  I keep getting questions like 'How is he?'  What are you doing to see that he gets his GED?'  What is he going to do with the rest of his life?'  I can seem to make it clear to everyone that I am not in charge of this rodeo.  It's not like he's five years old and I can make him do anything.  He's 18 and the only one who can deal with A's feelings is A.  He has to operate within his comfort zone, not mine, and nothing I say or do will help him expand said comfort zone.  I guess I'm supposed to drag him kicking and screaming to a doctor who will give him the medicine he heeds to cope with life and then force it down his throat so he feels better.  That doesn't sound like it will help to me.  He will get to where he needs to be on his own time.  I'm having enough trouble getting me to where I'm supposed to be.  If I could get myself on track maybe it will show him the way, but until then I can only help me.  He has to be the one to stretch his horizons.  I got him started and I will be there for him if he asks for my help.