2/07/2009

And one more makes THREE....

Wow, where to begin? My sister, J, is a mess. Serious mess. J is the mother of four kids, three by her husband, who she divorced 6 yrs ago & one by the drug-addicted boyfriend, M, who she was sleeping around with while she was still married. Get all that? Like I said, she's a mess. Thankfully she left her three children with her husband who is a hard worker and dedicated dad - she had never been in any shape to care for her kids - she also is a drug addict. That leaves K, my sister (and M's) 3 yr old daughter.

Over the last 6.5 yrs since J left her husband & three older kids, she has bounced from one apartment to another, one job to another and is always finding herself in a bind, asking my parents for cash, rides, food or whatever. She and M do not have driver's licenses (both revoked) or a car - due to lifestyle and choices. As of last summer J, M & K have been living in a one bedroom apartment with 'friends' who are fellow drug users & heavy drinkers. Then in December, J calls my mom & tells her she is sleeping on someone's couch and that she & K needed somewhere to go. My mom picked them up, provided them with food & clothes and offered them a place to live. All is well right? Nope, see there's still t he drugs. J & K didn't stay there long.

For the past two weeks J, M & K have been living in a seedy motel room with another 'friend' - one room, one bed and three drug-addicted adults and a three year old girl. Not good. So last week, after several sleepless nights, Scott & I decided to track J down and offer for K to stay with us until she gets her life in order. Which could be three months or never. She willingly agreed - she seemed relieved that she didn't have to deal with the responsibilities of a child anymore.

Needless to say, because of J's lifestyle, we don't have a close relationship - which means we have had to really get to know K since they moved in with my mom & over the past few days. Sadly, the neglect is really evident in her lack of social skills & poor diet. We are having the battle of wills to allow her to exist on milk & buttered noodles or candy.

Our little man is feeling bombarded with little girls & we've allowed him to have his boundaries & space (girl free) and he seems satisfied with that. Our little lady is having fun with a constant friend (who is learning how to interact & enjoying it), but will sometimes turn to me & ask when K is going home. We're trying to keep the kids busy, so K gets caught up in the fun & then gets worn out for a good nights rest - she seems to be OK that she is here with a bed to sleep in & toys to play with. So damn sad.

What a flipping saga. This seems like a good place to vent & surely they'll be much more venting ahead, and hopefully good stories of progress too.

Drugs suck.

5 Comments:

At 11:01 AM , Blogger Johnny said...

Wow! Although you're not looking for thanks, and it is a heartache, good on ya.

I hope he he spends a long time with y'all.

 
At 6:17 PM , Blogger Katie J said...

Thinking of you Tammy. Give me a call.

 
At 9:19 PM , Blogger Joannah said...

Tammy, you are an amazing woman! I know this is a challenge for you and your family, but you are giving this little girl the family she deserves to have.

Thank you.

 
At 9:02 PM , Blogger Cavatica said...

Phew! You have your work cut out for you and are doing a wonderful thing. Yeah, drugs and kids - terrible terrible. I hope she comes around.

 
At 2:07 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I will be keeping you guys in my thoughts and prayers. You are a good sister and wonderful woman (and I know that personally, since I've had the pleasure to spend time with you and your wonderful family in the past)! Give me a call if you need someone to vent to.

 

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