WE CAN ALL LEARN FROM A TEENAGER'S STRUGGLE WITH DRUG ABUSE

A couple of years ago I told you about a friend of mine and his daughter.
He was a good father and she was just about the most perfect little girl.

Her grades were strong and she was an outstanding athlete. Better still,
she was a nice kid.

Although not perfect - what parent is? - he provided a warm home, nice
clothes and the opportunity to play sports and take part in other
activities. He loved her dearly.

I write in past tense because when she became a teenager their lives
unravelled, particularly when she started using cocaine and hanging out
with a bad crowd.

She dropped out of school, left home and abandoned everything dear to her
because of a highly-addictive drug. It could have destroyed her oh so easily.

But even in the darkest hour, she still had the love of her father and a
supportive family who cared for her just as dearly. Their love and
persistence paid off, and eventually she was ready to come back.

After receiving drug treatment and counselling, I'm happy to report she's
back at home, back in school and back playing sports. And you know what,
she's still a great kid - make that young women.

She wrote this letter to her father during her recovery. It's a message
everyone can learn from:

Dear Miss White,

Without you in my life, I've been doing a whole lot better physically and
emotionally. I don't need you to help me deal with my problems anymore.

At one point I loved you, I couldn't think of anything better than having
you. You made me feel in control and I knew the answer to everything.

When I got to know you better, I needed to have you. Without you I never
felt like myself.

At one point I thought that who I was when I had you was the real me. I
lost myself and kept believing in you.

You caused me suffering, loss, depression, confusion and really hard times.
I found it really hard getting over you.

I still think of you everyday and maybe I will for the rest of my life. But
I hope you never find me again.

You have taught me so much at a young age. I lost a lot of my childhood,
that's okay cause I can still get that back.

I just want you to know I'm winning the battle and no one will ever see you
again; Nor I when I look in the mirror.

So long Miss White!