18 and Over?

Today is one of those days where my heart is kinda heavy...full. It's holding a lot.

My daughter Jordan came home with her yearbook today. As I was flipping through the pages I would ask about this friend and that friend, and then came to the picture of her prom date. Some of the seniors had quotes underneath their pics. He had one underneath his. It said something like "Turn negatives into a positive picture".

I commented that I liked that quote. Jordan said, "Yeah, that sounds like somethin' he would say. He's had kind of a tough life".

I asked her what she meant and she explained that he grew up in a foster home and now his Mom (not biological) is about to move out of state into a trailer somewhere.

WHAT?!?

I asked her what he was going to do. Is he moving with her? Is he going to college? What?

She said she didn't know. He's trying to get into college out here but he's not sure yet just what he's going to do.

That just broke my heart.

I've only met him once, the night of the prom, but I could sense even in that short amount of time that he's a good kid. I want him to have a chance!

Since that conversation with Jordan I can't help but wonder what's going to happen to him.

If he's not 18 yet, he will be soon. Technically, an adult. Technically, his "mom" will no longer be legally responsible for him. Technically, if she picks up and moves, leaving him behind, she can. But WHY would she do that? HOW can she do that?

As a parent, I realize that the job of "parent" doesn't end when the child turns 18.

THIS is probably the time when he needs family most. He needs direction, guidance...a HOME. Sadly, our society doesn't accommodate the needs of a young men his age who are transitioning from 18 to adulthood. It should. The lack of accomodation and guidance is what leads these young men to crime and ultimately, jail. Jail is no place for this young man. College is!!!

What do I do? What can I do?

I want to reach out to him and let him know that I'm here to help, but how do I do that without him thinking I'm weird. I'm not weird, I just see him as though he were my own son. He deserves a chance at opportunity as much as my own son does.

Let the DIALOGUE begin! What would YOU do?

Talk to me!

Til next time...