Fear and Panic

My son has been panicking the past few weeks. He applied to return to college later than he had planned. Now, of course, all the other factors of this decision are coming back to haunt him. The high school guidance department secretary who seems to work at a glacial pace, has received his request for transcripts two weeks ago, yet, in spite of our nearly daily calls, has not sent through the transcripts to his college. He cannot find an apartment that is available. And without transcripts and apartment, he doesn't see himself going to college this fall.

I thought that, perhaps, he did this in some sort of subconscious effort to remain here where it is safe. Yet, every time I tell him he can stay here, he turns me down. Anything I offer him is insufficient. I have been patient. I have been impatient. I am now at the end of my rope, and no longer have any ideas to offer him.

I know he is living in fear right now. I know that feeling; feeling as if nothing will go right, that one's life is a mistake. Yet, things eventually work out, and one discovers, they are fine. I am waiting for him to reach this point, but, unfortunately, I cannot bring him to this point. It wouldn't matter anyway - he wouldn't listen to me.

I have asked my brother to talk to him, give him advice, tell him that we all make mistakes and yet, live and learn. All I can do right now is hope that my son will listen. After all, he must know as I do that my brother is wicket smaht :)