today, while i'm at work, mike and the kids are doing their own "work". and our kids are "learning a lesson". normally the phrase "learning a lesson" implies you did something wrong that has lead you to learn from the consequences of your decisions. that's NOT the case today.
today my children are learning about the harsher realities of life. they are seeing first hand unfortunate circumstances some children live in.
for over 40 years, my dad has owned rental properties. i grew up tagging along side my dad during the laborious cycle: showing the homes, trying to make good decisions when choosing tenants, chasing down rent, evicting people, going to court.... and cleaning up... literally. obviously not every situation is horrible. over the years dad has had many, many wonderful tenants. many of whom have become lifelong friends of our family.
my dad called me a few days ago and asked if mike and i would mind giving him a hand with a vacancy. my dad NEVER asks for help, so of course we were happy to give him a hand. we went last night to check it out. mike... being new to this game was pretty grossed out. he's already a germaphobe... and the absolute filth only grossed him out more. add in the overwhelming smell of dirt/smoke/big dog/poop... it was enough to turn any one's stomach. the entire house needs to be emptied, cleaned, repaired, new carpet, and painted. i looked and my dad and thought "no wonder he's asked for help".
my children knew one of their classmates lived there. they caught some smack talk for it at school. and today, they are helping to clean up the mess. they will see first hand how some children live. we've always told them "don't judge and be kind... you never know what happens in your classmates lives when they go home". today, that's been made alarmingly clear.
when mike and i did the walk thru last night, we found a report card. the student is in the same grade as our bigs... i expected to see all failing grades... shame on me. his grades were good. and i was suddenly overwhelmed with sadness. this boy who's behavior is reportedly "questionable"... has potential! we were amazed at his athletic ability during the football season... AND good grades! he COULD do so much with his life.... but will he? with no familial support? without a clean loving house to come home to? as we drove away last night, mike said to me "there's no hope for those kids is there?" and i said "no. not if something doesn't change. it's going to take foster care, church, a mentor, a kind teacher... SOMETHING to give those kids hope... to make a change"...
so what's my point here today. i'm not sure. i feel all rambly (and sad)... but i think what i'm trying to say is:
1. cherish your family ... whoever it is... love them and provide a HOME they can feel safe and loved in. it doesn't have to be fancy or big... just clean and full of love and attention.
2. remember, that unruly classmate in your child's class may go home to an empty house everyday... cook their own dinner and live in unsanitary conditions.
3. if you can... reach out to children in need... thru your church, school, a mentoring program, become a foster parent... anything. YOU could make the difference in a child's life.
ok... i'll leave you with that :)
have a BLESSED weekend and love on your family!
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