Silver Lining: updates on our ward of the state

February 24, 2013

updates on our ward of the state

Calling Jason our son sounds weird and calling him our brother & brother-in-law sounds weirder. So, we call him our ward of the state (which is his official legal relationship to us).


We love having him around. Really, he's great. He's making friends at church and school already, and he shares his favorite funny(?) YouTube videos with us (we have yet to really connect to his sense of YouTube humor...). He's a great dancer, and he always takes my side when I'm trying to convince Sam of something (yessss).



I'm not saying it's been easy. Because honestly, it's not. It's very stressful. It's a lot more work and responsibility and a lot less time for myself or time as a couple than we're used to. We couldn't anticipate what it would really be like, and it's kind of been a wake-up call for us. 


That being said, we couldn't do it without so many generous people helping us. Money is tight, but somehow we keep getting blessed. Remember Jason's adolescent shower and clothing drive? Yeah, people are still giving us things for that. Just this week another anonymous friend wrote a kind letter. Here is part of it (anonymous friend, I hope it's okay to share this):


"I went from a rough situation into a very wonderful couple's care when I was 16. They have made all the difference in my life. I truly hope the best for you and your family. Love, a friend who understands." Enclosed was a WalMart gift card.



It's hard, but when I think of that boy who walked into our house a month ago with one pair of jeans, no winter coat, a comforter soaked with dog urine and hair, and not even a toothbrush - I don't regret a single hour of tears, stresses, budgeting and rebudgeting, or late-night talks and prayers that we spent on that kid. He now has multiple pair of jeans and a nice winter coat that people donated to him. He has a toothbrush and a brand new comforter (we couldn't salvage the old one). He doesn't have much, and we're on a steep learning curve for this new thing we call parenthood, but one word keeps coming to mind, and that is growth. We're so proud of our ward of the state, and we love having him around.



23 comments:

  1. I admire you so much. You guys are such a special couple to step up to the plate. :)

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  2. Brooke, I look up to you two so much for taking on this "stress". I cannot even think of what it would be like. You are so amazing for taking him in and giving a chance at a great life! Love ya!

    XOXO
    E

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow, what an admirable thing to do! Bless you <3

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  4. You are incredible Brooke; I admire you so much for doing this!

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  5. Wow! That is so awesome that you've taken this boy and given him love and a home. I don't know the backstory, I'm a new follower from the Aloha Friday Bloghop. But you have inspired me on this Sunday afternoon!

    Have a wonderful week!

    www.MommaCandy.com

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  6. Thank you for sharing. You are so inspiring!

    ReplyDelete
  7. He is one lucky ward of the state! ;) Keep writing about it, you guys are amazing!!

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  8. This is an awesome story. I found your blog from Elisabeth at Bella. She thought I'd enjoy reading you and I definitely do. Hope you stop by!

    entirelynilda.blogspot.com

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  9. THis sounds wonderful, keep up the good work. Very inspirational!

    Happy Monday!

    Sheree
    The Hartungs Blog
    thehartungs.blogspot.ca

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  10. What happened to his Chreeestmas coat? He got a black and green one with a awesome and dudely angry birds hat to match!

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