DR. WALLACE: Please allow me to share my story with your teen readers. I know it will help those who might relate to my once-miserable lifestyle. I'm 20 now and fully employed as a hairstylist and engaged to be married to a wonderful guy who loves me very much.

I was only 14 years old when my parents divorced. My mother got custody of me only because my father didn't want me, and it turned out that she didn't want me, either. A couple of months after the divorce, she took me to my grandparents' house and never came back for me. I love my grandparents but they were unable to cope with a young teenager. They gave me a nice room of my own and plenty to eat, but there were no rules and I had no discipline at all. I started hanging around with the wrong crowd and before long I was into booze, drugs, and, finally, sex. I stayed in school but my grades were pretty bad because I was too busy partying to study.

Finally, I ended up in the hospital from an overdose of drugs. This turned out to be the turning point in my life because I really thought I was going to die. I prayed that if God would spare my life, I would do all in my power to change my life for the better. Thankfully, I lived and was released from the hospital on a Friday. On Sunday, I went to a church not far from my grandparents' house and it was the first church I had ever been inside of. I was in awe of the church and was welcomed by folks at the door!

To make my long, sad story short and happy, I met a young man, two years older than I, who was a youth worship leader, and he helped me through the rough times. He was always there for me when I needed him. He understood me completely and we fell in love, the only real love I have ever felt. We are to be married in the church in a few weeks and, trust me, we will live happily ever after!

I found joy, love and peace where hate, turmoil and self-destruction once lived. — Nameless, Dallas, Tex.

NAMELESS: Thanks for sharing your very inspiring story. You have emerged from the nightmare of being an unwanted teen. Your story will surely give hope, and a sense of direction, to many young readers facing similar difficulties.

Congratulations and best wishes for a happy future!

YOU HAVE A WISE FATHER

DR. WALLACE: I'm 17 years old and have trouble relating to my mother because I feel she doesn't really care about me or my health. I lost faith in her because I haven't seen a doctor for a physical examination since I was 11 and since then I have gone through many changes to my body.

I told my mom that I wanted to have another physical examination because I have several things that worry me and I would like to ask the doctor about them. My mom immediately became suspicious and yelled at me, accusing me of being sexually active, and said that I probably only wanted to see the doctor to get birth control pills. My dad heard my mom's reaction and told her to calm down. He told me to make an appointment. He agreed that a check-up was in order.

I have never given my parents any cause to worry. I don't even date regularly and I'm not a party girl. Am I asking too much to find out if I'm healthy? My parents are not poor. — Brianna, Peoria, Ill.

BRIANNA: Mom was way off base. Getting a physical exam is an excellent idea, as is discussing all your health concerns with your doctor. Don't let Mom's unwarranted accusation stop you from making an appointment. You have a right to be certain that you are perfectly healthy. You have a very wise father.

GOOD FRIENDS MAKE EACH OTHER FEEL BETTER

DR. WALLACE: I've been invited to a party, but my very best friend didn't receive an invitation. I want to go, but my friend said she'd be very angry if I went. What should I do? — Confused, Crown Point, Ind.

CONFUSED: Go to the party! Your best friend is being selfish by asking you not to go just because she wasn't invited. Good friends should make each other feel better, not worse.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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