No good deed unpunished
There’s this boy who’s just turned 13 who is as sweet as can be, at least when he’s around us. His parents don’t get along (a big understatement) and divorce papers have been filed. Mental problems. Spiritual problems. Several months ago they asked us to keep the boy rather than put him in foster care. Our family voted “for”. I was the last to be convinced.
Recently, the mom called, in dire straits, asking us to keep the boy for 4 days before his summer camp. She’d had enough of him. We said sure and I picked him up.
In less than 72 hours, we became the mom’s enemies. On day 3 she picked up her boy and told us (with several Bible verses thrown in) that there would be no more contact. That we were hypocrites. Nothing but a sham.
And as a parting shot, if we wanted payment for keeping her boy, just send her the bill by mail.
So we’ve kind’ve been moping around the last couple of days, wondering how it could have been done differently, how we should have responded. And, of course, we continue praying for the boy’s family.
Recently, the mom called, in dire straits, asking us to keep the boy for 4 days before his summer camp. She’d had enough of him. We said sure and I picked him up.
In less than 72 hours, we became the mom’s enemies. On day 3 she picked up her boy and told us (with several Bible verses thrown in) that there would be no more contact. That we were hypocrites. Nothing but a sham.
And as a parting shot, if we wanted payment for keeping her boy, just send her the bill by mail.
So we’ve kind’ve been moping around the last couple of days, wondering how it could have been done differently, how we should have responded. And, of course, we continue praying for the boy’s family.
August 14th, 2007 at 3:34 pm
Wow. Such confusion and bitterness. Very sad.
August 15th, 2007 at 1:49 am
I am not sure if you could of done things any better. Just make sure that you do become hateful of this boy’s mother. She obviously is not a “Mother of the Year” candidate, but there are much bigger things going on in her life that we cannot understand right now….but God does. Just continue to pray for the boy, his mother, and this family. Your family’s love for the boy will eventually reign through because God’s love conquers all.
August 15th, 2007 at 4:14 am
Strange. We do what we know in our hearts is right, but we can’t control all the variables.
August 15th, 2007 at 10:24 am
What you did for this young man is equal to him hitting the lottery. Love and stability are two of the greatest gifts a teen can receive when things at home aren’t going well.
As for “Mom,” she fits into the strange phenomenon that I have experienced. It seems that folks you try to help the most will turn on you to the degree you’ve helped them. I don’t understand it but nevertheless it seems to be valid.
God bless you guys for your ministry.
August 15th, 2007 at 2:52 pm
I’m sorry friend.
Love you guys.