snakemom-
I don't know what else can be said or done by George to show you he wants to change. Sadly, it is reactions and attitudes such as your that make changing so darn difficult for people. You refuse to let the past go, you hold on to your skepticism, and you refuse to truly give him a chance to change. I don't think that's fair. I don't think anyone deserves to be treated in that manner when they make a conscious and concentrated effort to turn the course of their actions in a new direction. I think George or anyone else willing to make a new path deserves the opportunity.
I mean no disrespect to you. And I certainly don't intend to alienate myself in the process of defending George. But I can tell you with 100% surety that a teenage boy and a teenage girl are 2 different species.
It is simply impossible for you or your daughters to understand what happens to a young man during the teenage years. I understand, because I have been there. I had a lifestyle that desperately needed to be changed around many, many years ago. And I tried. I tried so hard to make things right in my life, and to set a brighter course for my future. Unfortunately, I was surrounded by people that kept shouting "SKEPTICAL!" at me everytime I tried to do the right thing. You have no idea how maddeningly frustrating that can be. You have no idea how depressing that can be. Every effort I made was scoffed at and ridiculed because of what I had done in my past. It truly is enough to make one want to give up the fight and continue doing what your reputation says you "should" be doing, and I don't thnk anybody wants that.
And this is an internet forum. This is not real life. This is not a life or death situation. This is not someone who has raped, murdered, pillaged, and plundered now seeking redemption. This is a young kid, with a big mouth and bag full of confidence, who realized that his actions were not what he wanted them to be. This is really very easy. It is an internet forum, and as such, I truly think you are tkaing it WAAAAY too personally.
If you don't trust George and his new intentions, that is fine. But let it go. If you don't like George, fine...but let it go. There is no need to keep telling everyone how skeptical you are. There is no need to shout "SKEPTCAL" everytime he makes a statement. there is no need to point out who he USED to be everytime he makes a new post. Simply ignore him. If you don't think he deserves a second chance, that is fine...don't give him one. But there are a number of people who believe he deserves a second chance and are willing to give him one. We will not prevent you from continuing to be skeptical. Please do not try to prevent us from giving him a new start. For goodness sake, at the very least...just leave the kid alone, and let it go. It really isn't that important, is it?
