"When your son
comes home with his fists clenched and his eyes swollen shut from
crying, take notice. Listen to his feet shuffle up the stairs like
dead weights that he can't lift. Be aware when he slouches, no
matterhow many times you tell him to sit up straight. Listen as no
sounds come from the bathroom, even after hours of him being in the
shower. Pay attention to him watching TV late into the night or
spending too much time on his phone because he can't sleep. Do
not ignore the dark circles under his eyes and yell at him to go to
be earlier. Do not be oblivious if his grades start slipping. Do
not ignore the empty look inside of his eyes, like two bottomless
pits that will never be filled again. When he falls out of his
usual habits and becomes too tired to do the things he loves the
most in this world, take notice. Do not become angry with him or
call him selfish and unloving when he shuts you out. Please, do not
be like your parent. Do not make him lock the door behind
him." -Be the parent yours never
was.