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Ask Amy: Mom wants to celebrate son's success

By Amy Dickinson, Tribune Content Agency on

Dear Amy: My son had a rocky start to high school, including participating in an event that led to juvenile detention and community service.

He went above and beyond his community service, spending more than the required hours scooping poop at a horse facility that serves handicapped children.

He has turned his life around, and while still doing dumb 17-year-old stuff, it looks like he will graduate on time. He has pre-enlisted in the Marines.

I want very much to announce his graduation to his attorney, therapist, probation officers and others who were part of his rocky start.

I REALLY don't want this to appear as a gift request, but I want to acknowledge those that made the event possible.

Can you suggest verbiage to convey that gifts are not required, but thank those professionals that made his success possible?

 

-- My Son's Mom

Dear Mom: Wow, don't overthink this. You should approach this as a thank you message, conveying: "all hail and hallelujah, it looks like this young man will cross the finish line!"

Reach out to each of these people with a note (or email), acknowledging their efforts and compassion toward your son. Tell them that you are so grateful that "the system" worked for this one young man.

If you send a written note, send a copy to their supervisor. If you send an email, forward it to the supervisor.

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