Dearest Alex
Feel free to skip this letter if it dredges up too many bad memories, but your grandma is a writer who needs to get this off her chest.
First of all, I love you dearly. Never forget that.
I would be remiss if I didn't express my sorrow and disappointment when I learned you had not only refused to do your school assignments, but had also been outright defiant to your teachers.
One of them, I understand; she didn't come across as very nice to you. But still, that does not give you the right to be rude to her in front of everyone else. If you have a problem with your teacher, you take it up with the counselor, the Dean (Mr. Pfoff), or your mother, or even us. I was happy you had talked with your other teacher (I'm not sure what subject she teaches-Language arts, maybe?) about doing better than 14% of your work.
I sincerely want you to succeed, sweetheart, and do well in school. I know I'm not around a lot; you're gone before I get up and in bed when I get home from work, but I'm always available if you want to text me.
It breaks my heart when I hear reports of you being defiant. I was encouraged when your Math teacher said you seemed happy in her class, and that if you wanted to use her room during Study Hall to do your work or get help, she would be willing to assist you.
Believe me when I say I understand your teenage mind (a little bit of it, anyway!) When I was your age (now don't roll your eyes!) I thought I was the center of the universe, and nobody could possibly understand what I was going through. I think your mother felt the same way; all three of us shut down when confronted. You come by that honestly.
I didn't handle my bullying situation very well, and your mother didn't handle her first two years at Clark very well either. In hindsight, I should have allowed her to stay home and be homeschooled. But I didn't, and here we are; patterns being repeated. I didn't want to talk about what was happening; I was positive I've be blamed for the downfall of a popular athlete. I'm not entirely sure what was going on with your mother; she still hasn't spoken about it.
But you can break that cycle, sweetie. Things have changed when talking to someone is no longer a stigma. You have people in your corner; me, your mom, Mrs. Vickers.
You have a family who loves you and wants to see you succeed. Just get through this painful period and see it as a polishing moment. To refine a precious resource, you have to peel/grind/scrape off the dead layers in order to see the shining diamond or gold inside.
Unfortunately, this happens during the moment when hormones are raging and emotions are confusing.
Love,
Grandma
