Sometimes I Need A Reminder Why I Keep Doing My Job...

[lockedhearts]

It is not just "actual" drugs that parents use that cause problems. My Step-Son , Son for all intensive purposes, has a Mother and Father that are Alcoholics and are mentally and physically abusive. He swears that the few years I was in his life is the only reason he is not insane or dead.
I never realized, until last year when I started talking to my son again on Facebook, how much of a difference I made in his life. He says I am and will always be his "Mom" . He did call me for years after I left his father for advice, then we lost touch.

I think you are awesome for the influence you are having over this kid, and I am sure he will be a much better person for having had you in his life.

 

[redhen]

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Thanks, WoW..
But really Thank YOU.. for all you do! You're not only a teacher, (which can literally SAVE some of these kids, so they can become something and get off the streets..), you're also a substitute parent sometimes, a therapist and a coach when they get rowdy...

AND you have to deal with some butthead parents giving you crap for trying to help their kids...

 

[redhen]

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Yes, it does make me thankful to think about how lucky i was to ALWAYS know that i was loved, and i ALWAYS felt safe in my home as a child. I cant even imagine how some of these kids make-it..but they do... it either makes them a stronger person..or it destroys them.

I'm hoping this one makes it..

Hes really a good soul...

As for him staying here... i would keep him. But the state makes that choice. If they feel he can behave at home,(and they will, cause hes doing so well here), they will put him back there, at home. Their main goal is to usually get the child back home. And he does miss his family a lot.. his aunt and his 2 little brothers..
they live about 2 hrs away... so he cant see them much at all.
Soo....
I just WISH his aunt would move and let him make a new start... where he doesnt have to deal with all that gang stuff.... he said THATS his main concern... and thats going to get him back into trouble. Hes a SMART kid.. he knows all this...
So, we are working with him on how to avoid them.... but..in reality, its not like that.... he knows they will hear hes back in town right away and be looking for him to "hang" with them again...And "flocko"( or Flacko... however you spell it

..).. will be asking him to come see him... and if he doesnt go....

 

[Laurajean]

Speechless (rare). It was very moving, in his own teen language expressive way. Good for him for getting it out on paper. That's exactly how I started writing, when I was a neglected child. Really brings me back to feeling helpless and wanting SO badly to hurry up and grow up so I could escape. I didn't end up waiting, I left pretty young, still a teen. Best of luck to him.

 

[redhen]

Thanks! I'll tell him everyone wishes him good luck and etc... That might make him feel good about himself and give him a little extra push to keep on the right path..

..

 

[Cindiloohoo]

I have been where this kid is/was and it is sometimes EXTREMELY difficult, but from his writing....that boy isn't staying in that mess. I continued the cycle for a while too getting into drugs and such myself. Tell him, he's not the only kid that ever had to deal with that crap but if he keeps his head clear, he'll be able to do whatever he wants. The future is bright

He has to man up, and get/keep the negative influences(gang, drugs, etc.) out of his life though, by his own choice, no matter his age or circumstance. Age is never an excuse to be less than you can be. He has a lot of potential. He'll be fine

to him

And thanks for what you do, you'll probably never realize the extent of impact you have and will have in the future.

 

[Elite Silkies]

I truly admire Foster Parents, it's not an easy job and it takes someone with a big heart. That's why you keep doing what you do, because your full of love. Tell him I really liked the rap song, I was gettin down like Charlie Brown. Head bobbin and all

You know I'm crazy like that though. My prayers are with him and may the good Lord keep him on the right path, that you have shown him. God sent him to you for a reason.

I've always wanted to be able to have a huge house with lots of bedrooms, so that I could help children. Thank god for you guys that are able to give these children wonderful homes, even if it just for a little while. I think it truly makes an impact on their life, that they will keep with them forever. All they want is to be loved.

God Bless you Redhen!

 

[debilorrah]

A couple things I would like to say. First of all, THANK YOU Wendy for taking this child and showing him there IS a better way. Secondly, isn;t it HARD to care for a child who has parents that are drug abusers????? Though Robert is only 3, he still show the effects from a visit with his mother each and every time he comes home.

Lastly, I just pray that all these children in really BAD situations can find some peace, guidance and see a light at the end of the tunnel that is not a train about to hit them.

Edited because that was the TOTALLY wrong smiley. Geez.

 

[redhen]

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I'm glad to hear that you made such a difference in that young mans life.... Thats a special thing to always cherish. I hope all turns out well with him....

 

[redhen]

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And SEE how awesome you turned out today!

You're one of the tough cookie ones... you're a survivor... this i know.