Monday, June 06, 2011

Summer! (Almost)

Okay, so I still have school work to do. The yearbook has about two pages left to wrap up. But the students are out. So it will be a quiet morning in my classroom as I finish it all up and tuck the last bits of artist-y fun into the supply closets so the floor cleaners can work their magic underfoot. I actually kinda like the spattery freakshow that is my floor, though, so I will be a little disappointed to see it all shiny and clean. At least my ceiling tiles are still bright and chaotic... looking upwards in my room is a little akin to looking at a Klee painting on steroids.

And I like it.

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About a week ago, she packed up and decided she no longer wanted to live here -- and that I should take her to a homeless shelter. So we loaded up in the mini-van and headed to downtown Dallas, since that's the only homeless shelter I knew of.

Of course, they don't take seventeen-year-olds in adult shelters. So we visited about four or five different locations, all of whom did not take her. She was rather miffed that we had to go back home.

Before you gasp quietly to yourself, please realize that I cried my eyes out the entire time, and that it kills me to do these kinds of things.

Visits to places like these, when you're underage, triggers a ping in the social services system. So we're being investigated by Child Protective Services. Tomorrow, Isaac and Alice get interviewed by the lead investigator. Last Tuesday, a team arrived unannounced at the house to check on Martha. Rick gladly escorted them upstairs to her domain, then left them to enjoy the sights and smells and other welcoming behaviors. Of course, she had nothing to say to them and told them where to get off.

The lead investigator spoke to me on the phone the next day and told me a couple of places that we needed to call to have her placed.

The interviews with Isaac and Alice tomorrow are really just formalities, because she has to complete the picture. I'm cool with that, honestly.
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And I promise, I have pleasant things to post! But only after I get the yearbook submitted to the publisher.

3 comments:

s barackman said...

let me know if you need any references to give to child protective services...I have been keeping you all in prayer constantly over this situation. Perhaps God is working something out that will benefit all involved.
from Naomi's co-owner in paris tx

Lynn said...

I am so sorry for your heartbreak. I've written you before regarding my brother who has fetal alcohol effects (very smart, but has frontal lobe damage with similar behaviour issues) He is 43 now, still living with me, and has definately improved, thank God. Maturity will help your DD, but getting there is a trip. It is good to have other eyes seeing her behaviour so that you can get some back up. It's a 24/7 job with no vacations and you and your family could use a break. I continue to pray for all of you.
BTW, I have a few "W" magazines, which is an edgy fashion publication that were sent to me when I placed an order at Dermstore. I remember you asking for such a while back for your class projects so I hung on to them. I would be happy to send them to you if you are interested.
God bless you!
Lynn
ltfrc@sbcglobal.net

Lynn said...

I stumbled across your blog yesterday. The things you and your family have gone through with daughter Martha are almost identical to my daughter's struggles with her oldest girl, aged 16. Please know you are not alone. We understand your pain. Most of the things you've written, have come out of my daughter's mouth at one time or another! My daughter and her family also live in the Metroplex. The parallels in your lives are uncanny. I will be praying for you and your family. I hope I don't come across as forward to say if you ever need a shoulder to cry on, please don't hesitate to contact me. God bless you.