Foster Care, What Many Don't Know, A Gun

              At one point I knew I worked in foster care too long, too long because I couldn't say anything without either getting fired and being made to look like a trouble maker. But it was long before that, I made sure to tell most of the kids who would remember, to get a new social security number, get copies of all your medical records so when you're older, you can challenge discrepancies. I doubt many remembered or cared..
      I let them know they could go to college for free and could also challenge a move if for the right reasons. I had one child challenge and actually call a lawyer to stay with me. A foster child can remain in care until age twenty-two. Here's the catch;they wanted their freedom with no curfews, stay out with friends without any accountability, were encouraged to have saving accounts but in the later years because of age, I would have to be on the account too. At one point I bought savings bonds for a young girl.
       I tried to let them know about vocational college, I did let them know and one boy went to HACC, but he was more interested in getting a laptop for free, even sat in my field one day, the screen cracked from that or laying in the trunk of a friends car and yet he talked the school into giving him another one for free. Many kids learned so young about the rights they had that they thought using them fast and furious helped them, it just upset some people.
       One agency hired so many people and friends of people just to keep people employed. They were all friends and so it wasn't about the kids, it was about keeping money in the pockets of friends. I told one man on the day he was leaving about a woman who spanked her very young foster son, had electricity turned off and other things. His answer was, I didn't hear that.
        There was a boy in my home who brought a gun and now this sounds nuts, but he wasn't a bad kid. He saw his grandfather beat his mom as a little boy and as he grew he wanted to protect women. I worked with his grandfather in Mental health who had schizophrenia.
         The boy had the onset which erupted in my home . Little y little he covered his window, nailed a cross upside down to his wall, ripped up a Bible and as I watched him and asked if he needed anything, want to grab a sandwich, go out it was no, no and no. A few days before we went to see his mom which was where he grabbed the gun and put it in his small backpack. We stopped at a convenience store to get coffee and a soda for him. He saw a man hitting a woman and yelling at her, started to open the car door and I gently grabbed his arm. No don't we can call the police. No police, he just wanted to leave, but the man noticed the boy at 17 getting out of the car. The man then took the woman by the arm and in a muffled voice said something pushing her to the store.
         After we got home he started to go deep inside himself and I called on-call to let them know. I was asked who's his MHP, Mental Health Professional. The response was she's in a meeting with the group. Half hour later I call again. BY the fourth call I get a call back saying, what have you done to alleviate the situation. I explain, monitoring, talking quietly etc etc etc.  IT was four hours later before his MHP arrived. She sat and said where is he. Oh GOD! How many times to I need to repeat this?
In his room, darkened etc. She said, can you go and get him and I'll be in back of you? She did walk in back of me until she heard him say, I'm not talking to her. I asked him, Will you just listen?
He said okay. We went to the kitchen table and he came out a few minutes later.
        He had his mini back pack, put it on the seat, no sound as if he had hardware in it. I spoke a little and so did the MHP. He was telling me how he was feeling and I said I'm sorry you feel like you have to protect yourself that way. THEN he took out the gun and put it down very hard on the table.
       He said in a calm manner, I don't have to protect myself, I have to protect you women with this.
The MHP was now shaking and for five seconds I thought, who will tell my children? Then I said to him, ----Thank you for being so honest and trying to protect us, but you know now I have to take this, reaching across the table for the gun. He didn't move an inch to stop me, but shook his head yes. I went on with, I have a friend who's a cop, is kind, not a bully etc. and I have to call him. Again he shook his head yes. Calling 911, I was asked if he had any other weapons and he jumped up with ease and said, oh yeah, I have your saw blade. It was to a jig saw. I followed him and he gave it to me. The MHP said, do you mind if I go out and smoke? No , go.
      IT wasn't long before two police cars pulled up and came knocking. I walked the boy out and introduced him to my friend. He allowed a search and was very polite. My heart beat more for him because he was truly ill. It's genetic, His mother suffered from sever depression. Many times Mental illnesses go from one gender in the family to another. The MHP stood with tears in her eyes and we chatted a little then she left.
      She went out on disability a few weeks later and the boy went to jail. I went to court as a witness, hugged his mom and shook his hand. No I wasn't angry. He was a very ill kid and his illness was just starting. It's a lifetime of heartache.
    More in a few days

My First and Last Foster Son

       When I lived with this little guy, my first foster son, I quickly learned how society, well, maybe not society but the system cheats many kids like him. His anger was as I was told, starts at zero and goes to a hundred in ten seconds. I never experienced that, ( well yes I did growing up ) Another thing I never experienced was the fact that this eleven year old could only read about second grade. On the way to my house we stopped at a diner and I gave him the menu. He pushed it back telling me he couldn't read it. I thought he was joking, but soon found out he meant it. Maybe I should have taken another look at the residence hall/school where he went to school. Kids sat in a classroom that was barely light. I found out it wasn't about teaching and learning but low lights keep the kids calm and I did see  him laying on his desk.
          -I'll continue this tomorrow-
        Well from the start we appeared to have a nice relationship. It took a while before school would allow him in, to see what was a proper and age related class. As I write this my mind shifts between this child , C and my last child B.  It wasn't long before trouble started in school and the calls came to pick him up.
         The worst call was tell me he ripped a teachers tie off. I walked into the middle school and he was sitting alone in an office crying. I was brought into a room and given the story, which didn't make sense. It was obvious to me the school wanted him gone. The teacher whose tie he ripped off, was muscular, shaved head, and now wearing contacts. Yes, that matters to me because a couple of years back he was this, glasses and balding, so now his ego was really out there even in how he spoke, nothing like a couple of years ago.
           They finally brought the boy in and C gave his story. I believed him. He admitted he was wrong, that he had a comic and didn't put it down right away, but what the teacher left out was that he got made at the boy and ripped it from his hands at which point the boy followed the same pattern, and yes, wrong it was. I was told this man was a special ed teacher. He wasn't two years back. Where was his patience? Following the tie incident I was told the boy picked up a chair to throw at the teacher. The boy said he picked up the chair to sit in the corner. Not sure what was true about that.
More became clear about ripping the teachers tie off. It appeared it became caught in something and the teacher ripped it off. Either way he was suspended for ten days, the legal time for a child in special needs classes.
              HE was moved to a behavioral school. What followed at home was a series of mostly good time, eating out, watching his favorite shows, no cable and he loved the old black and white shows, leave it to Beaver, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, and most from the old days. I took him on a trip to New York. All went great. We stayed a two nights in Long Island and he had a ball and I did too watching him watch people. Early one morning he saw a man fishing on the oceans edge, asked if he could go down and talk to him. Sure, He did and had a great time. We checked out and stopped at a merry go round place where he caught brass rings.
            Then we had lunch on the Island and off to check into a Brooklyn Hotel, one I usually stay at and it was such a nice time. We met with my old friend and her husband and out to super we all went. I decided to cut the trip a day short because we were getting such bad weather and honestly I thought I'd save a lot on the hotel. I now know better. We should have stayed and just enjoyed the hotel, movies and ordering in.
         Once I told C that we were going home early he asked why and because very quiet. He asked off and on why we couldn't stay and I kept explaining. Packed up, we took off, passing through the Verrazano Bridge, then Jersey and then it started.... Suddenly he lashed out swearing at me, f this and that and F you and I bet you never knew I could cuss, did you ever heard these words before? NO more sweet innocent little boy, now acting like an older teen out f control. More to come from the back seat; He threw pennies at the dashboard, a book at the dash, small things until nothing was left. With each toss I told him, it's not too late, we can fix this and make it better, His response, I didn't want to F'n leave.
          I knew I had to bide my time until I found a safe place to get off. Looking ahead I see a truck plaza and tell C I have to get gas, use the restroom and grab a sandwich. He does get out and I quickly lock all the doors but there's one thing left in the car, an umbrella ! I knew I had to get my hands on that before he got back in the car.  Inside I did use the restroom, got on line for coffee and a sandwich, but C did not want to eat. I sat in the booth with him making small talk and making sure he knew we only had a short time left to eat if he wanted to get a sandwich or anything else. He said no.
         I started chatting with a guy standing on line about all of the food varieties. Then I told C, you have three minutes left to eat and I put a ten dollar on the table in front of him. He grabbed it, got on line and I grabbed the umbrella. After he ate, and we stood to leave, he went for the umbrella and saw I had it. We walked to the car and I threw the umbrella in the trunk. Before taking off we talked, he fell asleep and we made it home.
    More of C continued tomorrow

Two Year- Old's Becoming Friends

        This morning as I took a very short walk with my two year-old grandson, then turned around to walk back, he kept looking back. I glanced up and saw a lady with a stroller walking toward us. I told my little guy, come on sweetie lets go. He did but he continued to look back. I was walking slow anyway and so the young lady caught up with her son in the stroller.
           We both stopped and greeted each other. I asked my little one to shake hands and he very slowly reached out to the other little boy, who was also two. The other child kept his hand closed, but only momentarily, Then they both clasped hands. Introductions were made all around and then I asked if the little boy could walk with my grandson. He sure could and did. That stroller table opened and he jumped right out. In seconds the two, two-year old's were walking and holding hands!
           The other little child talked so fast he sounded like my daughter and he was so cute. Finally my little guy broke loose. This was his first "friend" type experience that I had the happiness of seeing. By end of our short walk and before good-bye were said, I was invited to go along with them to the playground, exchange phone numbers and addresses and because of these two-year old's also made a friend.
           Before I end this, I wanted to also let people know, This young lady told me she was from India and we talked about education, and people who are homeless, all once again because two, two years old's were curious about each other. That's all it took to become friends. I wish I took a picture of them holding hands, but I have it in my heart.

YOUR kids aRe Pushed OUT of schools !!!

      Recently I was reminded about something that has been going on for generations. This is really not new. Have you been told your child, just can't make it here, just isn't up to par, doesn't fit in, doesn't have what it takes academically and on and on ?
      Kids who live in the city and country, suburban, urban, whatever the label is-it happens everywhere to any student. It happens more to kids who have parents who no longer have the fight or resources               and who just don't know any better so they believe what they're told by the schools.
    It's true we're not all straight A students. But the funding is there to use to help students do a whole lot better, but schools would rather spend the excess on students who "make them proud". Football, soccer, softball, basketball, Musically inclined and high academic achiever students. Those kids will receive scholarships. Less than average students will be shown the door. School receive funds, extra funds for special ed students and receive tax credits for the same.
   Then there are the behavior students who give some problems, sometimes very serious. What's done with them ? They are sent to a behavior school and might, just might receive a diploma from such a school. Their future job will know they graduated from such a school and so what chances do they have to get a good job?
    I have recently have learned a bout a school , NEW STORY. This school is set up for kids with autism and serious emotional needs and kids attend all day long. Within this school a student can attend until age 22, not only learning academics, but social and vocational skills. An Apartment is set up in a room and another room has tools and on it goes to fit all needs.
    My biggest questions is why don't all school build such a system within every district in every school in every state ? Second why does a student have to wait to lean vocational skills in either the ninth or tenth grade? BUT that's only if they are academically and behaviorally ready? So during all of the early years they cannot seem to meet the academic challenges, and of course they can't get into a vocational school.
    OUR system is screwed up for all of the students who are less than those who bring the money in, the almighty dollar! Do not, any longer allow a school to push your student through! Fight, fight and fight some more. I was told the only reason my child was still in the school was because I owned a home in this district . That too is bull crap. What about all of the other students ? Contact the ACLU-Contact The EDUCATION LAW CENTER- CONTACT your NEWSPAPER. Good Luck !

Hillary HATES Average Whites-Stupid Women

       In listening to a few news stations , the same message is being repeated, so this is not one stations' opinions or facts, but at least four.
        Across the news is the fact that she is enticing Hispanics, African Americans, gays, and women . So to me, she thinks those people are plain STUPID. Hillary must think they don't know better so, in effect, I'll go after their votes.
       Nothing mentioned about average white people, average anyone and of course we know she'll go with the party. That's how anyone gets into office. They do what the party wants to get the votes, so is her party blind to group those she is favoring as one and the same people ?
    Does she think because a person is gay, they all think alike ? The same with Hispanics and African Americans...she must think they all think alike, don't have a second thought/brain to think as an individual. She also much think all women think alike. Stupid women, can't you think for yourselves ?
How else, what else can she be thinking. Hillary has money and plenty of it and she is arrogant enough to Think that the groups of people don't care about her illegal activities, how she treated those connected to Benghazi, what she's done to hide e mails, her land dealings and so much more.
         What does she really care about ? Her self, her stature, her money, her position, maybe Bill if he isn't cheating, and of course her daughter.
 
But does she CARE, Really CARE about you because you are GAY? 
NOT in my opinion. She only wants the vote so she treats you like a bunch of idiots.
WOMEN !  She is treating you like third class citizens when husbands were completely in control. Comments come out both side of her mouth, one  side for the vote and one side for the party, but nothing for the individual.
 Hispanics - Same thing goes-She is treating you as if you just became an American and owe it all to her so you owe her a vote.  How many people of the Hispanic culture are more American than Hillary ? Most in my opinion. Excuse me-I just heard a lady say I want to vote for Hillary because she's a women and I'm a women and I have a daughter. CAN YOU BE MORE STUPID ???
I need to end this as hearing such comments make me puke. Please take time. Vote as the person you are and measure the person you want in office. For example let's say you want to vote for "John" or "Mable" and you're a lesbian. Mable is a women and John talks big about the gay vote and all he'll do. Do you want someone who is of the mindset to only helps people who are gay or help the country as a whole? Possible a poor example but if you vote for someone who want the country to improve as a whole, so will you as a women, a man, a person who is Gay, Hispanics, African Americans, people with disabilities, immigrants and so that's the picture I want to leave you with.

      

Spring Grove PA. Discriminates/Foster Children

        Some years ago I had a child who I cared for, an African American female who had alopecia and a school aide got away with so many negative things to this girl and she should have been fired. She told her "Where's your wig, you should wear your wig" it was endless.

      Now we have  a child who they refused to place in a proper setting. WHY? Because as I was told, It's so expensive, we can't afford that because I have to be financially responsible for every child. The activity fund for high school kids was more that what was allowed for Special Education at Spring Grove School in PA. Another two comments were "is he staying" and "these foster kids sure move around".

   I know another parent who has a child in the same district and has to fight tooth and nail to have the child participate in activities as in "inclusion". But because the child is special needs beyond what is used to, the easy answer is, push away, and keep pushing until the parents find another way or give up fighting a very rich school.

                   Seven teachers will not be replaced giving the school back 750,000

and building allocations were reduced by 50,000.....Maybe a few just received a higher rate of pay.

     

Schools, Vans and Educational Discipline

       Supposedly you're not to complain unless you have the solution. That's an easy way out for those who aren't doing what can be done to say...see, we told you so.
    What do you do with a kid on a van who doesn't behave and is destructive? You discipline him or her, but you don't reward them by giving them what they want, a seat where ever they want. So you make adjustments. If this kid is destructive and you are saying it's a safety issue, then pick that kid up last and sit him or her between two big kids. Lets see them destroy property then. Peer influence is a big thing. We can't spank, are afraid to raises our voices but as drivers do want to be a kids best buddy. Bullshit!!!!
      Why is it kids cannot be disciplined ? What are adults afraid of? Why aren't adults, adults?
I Know what a touchy issue this is because most parents work outside of the home and can't start driving kids to school.. This is taxpayer money and the answers they have is, well this is a safety issue, so let's just give him or her what they want. How about an old fashioned spanking instead?
   Kids who behave like this are bullies and cowards afraid to face in life whats needed. I have seen teachers attacked in school and they are not allowed to hit a student back. BULLSHIT again! Knock that kid on his or her ass, but good. We send this message every day. Okay kids, you can push, shove, hit, punch, spit at a teacher because you cowardly son of a bitch know-"they can't touch me". As you murmur that inside your head and as you are getting away with this garbage, remember the day will come-when you won't.

Corrupted Education System

       I'm not saying it is or isn't but what is so very wrong in the system of educating children from all backgrounds and all levels, such as poor behavior, extremely smart, not so smart, average, and special Education ?
       This is my opinion. We all know and it doesn't take a genius to know this; we are not all geniuses, so why is the education system not changing ? I have seen in many black schools and kudos to them, they have made changes, positive changes so their children will become leaders. Many now wear uniforms but there is more to their systems that other schools in all neighborhoods, cities and counties, urban and suburban are just not grasping. Why?
     Is it ego's or money? I think both. You have a right to check out salaries in the school district where your child attends and or lives. Look at how much a school district superintendent is getting and yet the school is still failing by not implementing an education system that is correct and equal for everyone.
                                                        Here are their solutions:
 Special behavioral schools, special ed classes, special vans-Everything is special except what they are doing, well not doing. Why ?
    It all comes down to money. These Special programs and schools receive extra money and tax credits per student so it's to their benefit they keep a child where they want them. It's to their benefit they place a child in another school  so they don't have to really bother with them, yet to be fair, how much attention can you pay to a kid who is ripping a school into shreds with books, electronics etc.? Then kids who are trying to learn can't. So now instead of keeping that child in our own districts, that child is sent elsewhere. YEA!!! He or she is now out of everyone's hair. WHY?

     Because these educators, the system, the board of supervisors, the school board, the freakin' checkerboard-who cares-are not doing anything different ! One thing I have heard over and over again is teachers in charge try to distract the child by doing other things. Yeah, that works for a short time but these kids are not dummies. Distraction is not creating, not teaching, not really ethical when we owe it to that child to give an education to. Yes, I know you're thinking how can you give a child an education  that doesn't want to be there? I do get that, and this is where leadership is failing. Teachers can only do so much with the tools they are given which isn't much because the schools are taking the extra per diem(money) per student and raising the salaries of the higher ups.
                                                       MY SOLUTION
  
      In my opinion,  a vocational program needs to be built into the academic programs, early, not ninth grade. Take the money away that they are paying other schools and hire  sewing instructors, buy sewing machines, a woodshop teacher, and more. I am not taking about an hour a day or forty five minutes. To instill  value, a sense of pride and accomplishment, a child with learning disabilities, behavior issues has to know, they are not only good at something else, but that whatever vocational classes they take can lead to a career.
    Maybe instead of getting your brains banged about on a football field, allow  the brain to have calming effects by using hands to create, learn measurements and yes I know it will never happen that football is taken away because that brings in money. But what about those other kids  ? What about their futures? How many will graduate with a fifth grade education and yet have a high school diploma from Special Education.
       We continue to send those special kids away. We send a message on top of what they already know about themselves that they can't be with other people because they are different. No, they are not. Their needs are different and yes, some kids are very violent but why can't they be monitored more closely but also given opportunities that other kids in school have, such as music? They can and will change.
   These kids have to earn  some music time, not taught. WHY ? Doesn't anyone see that given music, art, woodworking, cooking, sewing that those things build an inner strength. These kids continue to get held back emotionally. Wake up big shots, wake up....Remember, Correct and EQUAL for EVERYONE !

School's Out Education in 4 Summer

       Years ago I lived in Oregon and there was year round school in my area. I loved it it as I think most stay at home parents did. But if you're a working parent outside of the home, it just doesn't seem to jell, but it can. Year round school helps kids keep their brains trained to education, as ongoing and steady. That two week break in between is helpful and enjoyable. If that isn't better than having school from September to June, nothing else is.
      If nine months as it seems to be of school is so great then why is it parents are so relieved to have kids back in school after just about five or six weeks at home? Because it's too much togetherness for many.
       Think about it this way: day care centers, jobs, traffic and more can be lessened but making the same money and less congestion on highways. Why? Because year round school will be different in every district or every county. It can be worked out. After all, look at those who run businesses, schools, hospitals, and more. If they're smart enough to do that why can't a better system of education be figured out. Think about vacations too. All of the retirees leave to go places in September and October because kids are in school so let's screw with them :)
      Our Children need to be educated year round and it's up to us as parents to do just that. Kids will complain... and we'll hear them moan and groan oh mom or dad, it's summer, why now ? Tough. Keep their brain trained to learn while it's young and curious. Do your job too. Listen, really, really listen to what they ask and say. Get  a few books and lay them on the coffee table. They'll look, they'll be curious. Even put one that you really want them to read in the bathroom-if you have two bathrooms . Lay a book on the back seat of the car. They'll pick it up, but make sure they don't bring a toy along or any other distraction. A book is better than being bored on a car trip.
       Teachers are there for our kids in so many ways that we forget about and yes they get paid to teach, but not to play psychologist, nursemaid, referee, and friend. But they do it anyway, so let's appreciate that, not take education for granted as kids do when they're young, but help out. Education is a right, but it' also a privilege, so pitch in. You'll be happy with the results.

Communism & Christmas

     I never ever thought I'd use those words together, but reading once again how people are "offended" at others putting Christmas lights up on their own property. Where do they think they are ? China ? No that's where you buy all your crap=same thing ! You Support all of "Those" countries and things, but God Forbid you support your own country where we have RIGHTS!!!! SCREW YOU PEOPLE.
     If you want so much shut down that you don't like, that offends you, that you can't stand, words, religions, freedoms, then take your freaking ass, and go live in CHINA. I for one and sick of this Bull S__T !!!
    HEY JACK, HEY JACK, HEY JACK !!!!!!! Robertson Family, Phil and everyone else, YOU GO MAN!!!!
       You OFFENDERS, close your freaking eyes, shut your mouth, change the channel if you can read the numbers-get an education on the RIGHTS of this Great Country and finally...SIT ON IT !!!!!

That Globe

That Globe

There was a man who owned a globe

Round and blue and pretty

It sat so visible on his desk

As he handled it like Walter Mitty

 

Memories of around the world

And dreams that come and go

Of traveling all about the globe

Seeing places a globe would show

 

I heard the music and language imagined

As he nimbly handled the blue

Prints of states and countries there

Dancing and costumes too

 

 A Vast amount of water

Filled spaces on the globe

Around the world oceans deep

Lands of weathers’ warm and cold

 

So now I can only sit

And think about That Globe

The one we know should be mine

After all-I’m getting old .

 

 

 

Who IS Melvin ?

        A couple of days ago my foster son came home, went outside quickly to use his PS Vita, then came back in to ask about going to his friends house. "What friend", I asked. Well he told me, Melvin. I started thinking, who was this Melvin kid ? I don't remember hearing his name, so as I scrambled my thoughts on names of his friends, he went to and came out of his room, winter jacket, hockey stick and a smile ready to go out. Again he asked, "so can I go?"
Well where does he live, and the kiddo answered as he pointed at the same time, right across the road in that yellow house.
      Again I was thinking about the family in the yellow house. I knew them and as he suggested he wanted to play basketball, I knew they had a basketball hoop and one of the boys had Downs syndrome, but I couldn't remember either his name or his older brother's. So I just said well okay, but be careful crossing the road. He couldn't hold it in any longer. "There is no Melvin, I just made it up", he said.  He enjoys doing this and I told him then, I will get you back for that, always testing me.
      Later That night I e-mailed the school and asked if when my kid went to the bathroom the instructor could prep the other kids who are few, to welcome the new student, Melvin, when he returns-from the bathroom. Then I called the guidance counselor, left a message explaining and could she call him Melvin.
   Well the results were this : The male teacher who is a kind of specific instructor only said to him, so what's with this Melvin stuff? What a duh he is ! Now the guidance counselor passed him in the hall and said, hi Melvin. He did a quick neck breaking turn of his head. YEA for guidance counselors ! That other guy, the one is specialized? No life in him at all. Life is short have some fun. Melvin left for school happy this morning. More on Melvin later.

What's Your Passion?

      Many people have a few passions. It can be the arts, education, a craft/skill, or they can be passionate about people. Like many I only learned late in life about doing what you want to do within your passions, and then fill it up and let it overflow. Too many of us grew up being taught to get an education,a job, get married and take care of your responsibilities. That's all true, but I don't believe we were taught in a right order.
      As I mention in my blog about college, Missionary Work, The Service etc. we don't usually know what we want by the time we're supposed to be ready for college. But it sure is a good time to examine your passions. That takes time. When you meet with a college counselor they, in many cases want you to fill you schedule with a few classes you don't actually need and won't get credit for, but you sure will have to pay for it and pay you will!
      Talk it over with parents, friends, experienced business people, the chamber of commerce people who have been through what you're going through, all of them. Please remember how many times you've heard your own parents say, if I had to do it all over again I'd...then of course they'll also say, but I wouldn't change it for anything. Why? Because then it sounds like they didn't want you, and they really did. Yet if they had to do it all over again and still have you, how would they change the road they took? Dirt or blacktop? Follow your passions. That's not in the book.