Tears filled my eyes when I stood in our room. I was washing new jeans and a shirt of my 16-year-old stepson, Brett. He drank a lot last night. The clothing was already1. I was very tired. The clothes were just one thing. He had already kicked a large hole 2his bedroom wall. Many windows were3because of his breaking in to steal4to buy what he liked. Brett came to live with us when he was 12 years old. During those5years I had dealt with Brett as6as possible, but inside I was feeling sad. Later, I cheered up again and continued parenting Brett. Still, Brett did not change his behavior.7Brett was nearly 18, my husband and I decided to8Brett to a boarding school that had very good result with troubled teenagers. At the graduation ceremony the graduates stood one by one to9those who had helped them. Each graduate held a10and gave it to the person who had meant the most to him or her. Brett11 lovingly to12," You did so much. You were always there, no matter what happened. You always13me such love. And I want you to know that I love you for 'it'"14, I stood as Brett placed the white rose in my15and hugged me hard. At that moment I realized the truth- although I had been angry in my heart towards my stepson, Brett had seen only my actions.
