A Quick post....

We got some horrible news yesterday and I need to figure out a way to move past it, so I thought I would share some of it.

Over the past few years we have had the privilege of being able to help some young people out when, for one reason or another, they needed a place to stay. Sometimes things at home were tough or complicated, or sometimes they just needed a break. And since we have the room , when we can, we help.

I would love to say that all of these guest stays ended on positive notes, but that has not always been the case. Most of the times if an issue cropped up, it came from someone not wanting to follow the rules that were set down when they moved in.

The rules are pretty simple and the few major ones were:

• While in school they could stay with us as long as they want. But their parents needed to know and agree to let them them stay with us.
• The school needed to know where they were and they needed to go to school.
• Boyfriends were welcome but curfew is 11:00 PM and then boyfriends needed to go home.
• No alcohol.
• No drugs.     

There are other small requirements(like chores), but for the most part those were the major rules. If and when there was an problem with a guest, usually one of these rules were the issue.

Well earlier this week there was a horrible incident in one of the neighboring towns involving one of the young ladies that lived with us awhile back. Out of respect for all of the families involved I will not being going into details, however this young lady's life will be forever changed because of a poor decision that she and a friend made. Life doesn't have an undo button when things go bad.

This wanting to help comes from my parents. While I was growing up we would have extra people live with us all the time. We didn't have a lot of money but it didn't matter. I can remember on more than one occasion when an entire family would move in with us. If people need help, and you can help them, you do it. End of story.

So I was taught from a young age that if people need help and you can help, you do it. It is just one of the many teachings that were passed down from my parents that I am proud to carry on.
It is just hard because these young people become part of your family and you want them to succeed and flourish just like you do your own children. You want to celebrate their victories and accomplishments and want to help protect them from harm. All the while knowing that their not yours and all you can do is pray.

Sometimes that is not enough....

I can't tell you how much this hurts right now.

                                                                 Happier times.