This moving letter was written by the son of a client from the US who was in treatment in Retorno from July, 2011 through January, 2012.
Dear Mommy,
Sorry, but I didn’t/couldn’t have the guts to express this on the phone or to you, so I’m writing it.
I would like to thank you a lot for all the times that I needed help this year, and all I had to do was call you and you helped me get through those rough times.
I can’t even count how many times I was on the verge of tears and I called you and I felt good right after. There were those times that I had no guts to get on the bus, and you gave me strength and you helped me figure out what to do every time.
When it was your birthday, I wanted to get you something but I didn’t have money, but deep inside I feel guilty. So really, if there is something you want for your next birthday, please tell me, and I’ll work up to getting it, but please tell me.
I never could tell this to you, but you don’t know how thankful I am to you for getting me through school and yeshivah. I wouldn’t be able to do it without you, and one thing I ask is that you could please stop smoking. It really hurts me inside. It also scares me. Just try.
But one thing is for sure: Since you went to Retorno in Israel, you changed so much, and got so much better since then. I’m so happy you went, and now you’re good, and I hope you’ll read this letter and take it to heart.
LOVE you so so so much,
Your dearest son
The mother adds:
Going to Retorno was not an easy thing to do. I left my whole family in order to do the hardest thing in the world which is to change. They told me that by doing so, I would give my children the biggest present in the world, which is a new mother. Many times over the years, while I live through the ups and downs of life, I have wondered if my children noticed the change…
A few days ago I came home and found this letter in the mail from my 14-year-old son, who is away from home in yeshivah.
Read it for yourself, and you will understand why I have no doubt anymore that I did change, and give my children the present they deserve, one day at a time!
