My foster son is back

[minkydog]

On a sad note, we have our former foster son back with us. Eric is 23 now and still has a very difficult time with his father. I don't know all the details, but I do know that his father threw him out when his mother was dying (he was 17, in his senior year of high school when he came to us and he stayed for 2 years.) Anyway, now he is going to school for culinary arts full-time and working part-time. He's trying hard, but Eric has lost his apartment. His father and the new trophy wife will not take him. He has been sleeping in his car and taking spit baths in the college restroom or at the gas station. Night before last the police hassled him for being in the parking lot at 2am. Eric called last night and asked if he could stay on our couch for the night.

DH told me that he and Eric talked a lot last night. Eric started crying. He said, "I took for granted how wonderful it was to sleep in a bed, to have a real shower, to not be scared at night. You all have been kinder to me than my own family." (Now *I'm* gonna cry!) Eric is a good kid who's trying to get ahead. He's trying to figure out a permanent living arrangement with a friend, but for the next week or so, or maybe longer, we'll have him in our basement. I can't help all the homeless guys, but I can help the one I know.

Plus, he's a great cook!

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Bless you for helping him. I'll send a prayer up for Eric that things will work out for him.

 

[JessicaR]

I bet right about now he is feeling safe and secure. Thanks for caring.

 

[JerseyMamaBear]

it is great that he was able to come to you and trust you for help. it shows how warm hearted and caring you are.

 

[java]

Oh I'm tearing up just reading that. He's lucky to have you. A safe place to land when he needs it. Bless you and him!

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

While it's sad that he is struggling it is great that he called. Some kids don't do when they get upside down with issues. I'm glad you are there for him!!

 

[minkydog]

Aww, thanks. Really, it's a small thing. I have a little bit of space and an extra mattress. Nothing fancy. I guess what I can't understand is how this boy's family can just turn their backs on him. Let your kid sleep in his car and take baths in a public restroom? Of course, we don't have the history with him that they have and they very well could have good reason to not take him in. But I have to say, after knowing him for 6 years I just don't see it. He's nothing but polite and helpful, mows my grass, cooks dinner at least once a week(and he was doing that before he came back!) what's not to like?

 

[C.Ann]

You're a wonderful person for doing this and Eric is so lucky to have you in his life.. It's obvious that he's trying - and when someone is trying, it would be heartless to turn them away.. You're good people..

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

His parents may have never given him the opportunity to shine and be a productive family member. You know, you put forth more effort when it's appreciated and acknowledged.

When I was younger I wanted to go to culinary arts school, but my parents were never on my team so to speak, so I moved out and got married at 19. Life changes when you have a great support system, maybe you and DH were the driving force for him to be the person he wanted to be.

 

[Saphire]

Gosh, it sounds like this kid is trying. Bless you for for opening your heart and home (again). In years to come when he tells his 'story', the support and kindness you showed him will be a big part of it, I am sure. Give him a hug from all of us.

 

[minkydog]

Eric is the oldest of 6 children. He also has severe ADHD. Living with Eric is like living with a Golden Retriever puppy. Lucky for us, we have 23 years experience with my bio-son who also has severe ADHD. When the two of them get together they can ROCK THE HOUSE!

I suspect that his parents were overwhelmed with all the kids and the mother's terminal illness, and just got tired of dealing with him. His father has not tossed out the other kids, just Eric.

 

[LivinInTheCastle]

Bless you for taking him back in. He sounds like a good kid.

 

[M&N]

On a sad note, we have our former foster son back with us. ....
He's trying to figure out a permanent living arrangement with a friend, but for the next week or so, or maybe longer, we'll have him in our basement. I can't help all the homeless guys, but I can help the one I know.

Plus, he's a great cook!

It sounds like a good note to me...to have caring people you can turn to, makes him a fortunate young man. You are exactly right about helping those you know.
Thanks for caring.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

He is lucky to have found you. I am sure that you and your family will help him get on his feet and give him the opportunity to live a good life.

 

[momof1princess]

God bless you for taking that young man in. everyone needs someone in their life who is on their side and who will be their soft place to fall in times of trouble. eric is lucky to have you and your family be that for him. i pray his situation doesn't derail his education and that he gets back on his feet soon. once again, God bless you for being his guardian angel.