==BRUNEI==

Dearest Grandma,

Thanks for the advice that you've given me. You are right, Gran; after telling mum and dad about it, I feel much better. I realise that they love me and that they will never stop loving me. I guess talking about it really helps, even though it was some time before mum could accept the truth that I'm a drug addict. She still thinks that I'm her little girl and nothing bad could happen to me.
Dad, on the other hand, has become withdrawn and is hardly ever home. I guess he will never accept the truth that his little girl is an addict. I try talking to him, but he just ignores me. I know he loves me and I don't blame him for feeling hurt. I guess I must have really disappointed him. I can still recall when I was a little girl and dad used to show me to his colleagues. He used to say to them that I'm his little princess and that one day I'm going to be a very successful person. When I got all A's in my exams, he pinned up my report on the fridge and bragged about it to his friends. He had such high hopes for me and I have disappointed him. I know that dad has sacrificed a lot for my sake. He works extra hours and hardly takes a vacation so that he can save for my col- lege education. Maybe in time he will learn to forgive me.
I went to my first drug addicts meeting last week. I was afraid to go as I didn't know what to expect. I kept on expecting the worst. When I got to the meeting, there were six people. All of them are teenagers. There are four girls in the group. Mr. Rov- ers, the psychiatrist, introduced everyone to me. I was told that for this session I could just observe and that I might participate if I wanted to. In the meeting a girl named Kim was telling everyone the reason she takes drugs. She told everyone that she takes drugs because her boyfriend is an addict and since she loves him, she also takes them. She never expected to be addicted to them. Like everyone of us, she thought that she could stop taking drugs anytime. For Kim the turning point in her life came when her boy- friend died of drug overdose.
I sympathise with Kim and I'm grateful to you ran for turning me around. You have made me realise that I'm killing myself and helped me confront my problem and I don't think I could have done it if you hadn't come along.
Last night it was my turn to tell the group about how I became hooked on drugs. I told them that I began using drugs to look cool and to fit in with my friends. I also told them that I was lucky to have the world's greatest Grandma who helped me to see that what I was doing was foolish. I told them what you told me, Grandma, that I'm special and that I don't have to prove myself to anyone, and that true friends should be willing to accept each other for who they are. I love you Grandma and thank you again for every- thing.

Love always,

Juane

PS: Mom asked me to remind you not to forget to take your medication and to come and visit us soon.