I wanted to also add an update. Our life has been seriously challenging since 2015. We have had hope from the beginning that eventually we can get back on course with our future plans, which included our own home based mechanic and restoration business. This isn’t going to happen. My husband has been through so much. It seems to never end and his pain is unbearable most days. You can’t tell in pictures. Sometimes you can’t tell when seeing him but it’s crippled him. He’s been in severe pain now for several weeks and our answers came in. His L2-3 and L3-4 has severe spinal stenosis. L4-5 and L5-S1 also has severe spinal stenosis and his entire spine has osteophytosis including severe degenerative and generalized disc bulging with central vacuum change including disc herniation is present. He’s been referred to the pain clinic while waiting to see a neurosurgeon in Victoria for spinal surgery. (His spine has been affecting everything) It’s just sad. Maddening. Frustrating. With still eleven kiddos at home, and a future we have been trying hard to maintain came down. Yet inside me knows we will figure this out. So while we wait.....we carry on. Our productivity, and our daily life continues.
Now I'm going to address another topic. This below paragraph is from my blog about other parents homing "run-aways" I just sigh. These parents think they're helping. Come on.....any one with common sense knows housing someone elses teenager is not supporting any one but enabling the problem.
I'm tired of being silent about this issue that is so bizarre to me. "Housing run-aways" Our family dynamics with different special needs and attachment issues will likely heighten our percentage for teen run-aways. What I don't understand is why parents will house teenagers that aren't their own without consulting or investigating why a teenager deems themselves "homeless?" We're in a society that 99% of the cases there is a home and if not, there is the Ministry of Children and families. So why on earth would a random parent house, feed, clothe and take responsibilities of a youth that isn't theirs? Unfortunately if the answer is because the teen was cold, starving and complaining about their current living conditions, it doesn't hold ground with me. I as a responsible parent would contact their legal guardian. We should all know that teenagers are seeking their independence in one form or another (and if you're not experienced with that) consult someone that can lead you in the right direction. Do not house a child that isn't yours. It's enabling and should be considered against the law. Our teenager is a complete manipulator, therefore opening your door could only cause you grief. You have no idea the past history, any current physical and mental conditions. It's just so mind boggling to me knowing that parents allow someone they do not know into their home. Perhaps it could be a risk to you!? Any how, our teen run-away has been enabled for quite sometime because people believe they should help but in fact they created the opposite. Without knowing the facts. I decided to write about this topic because it's just unbelievable on how many run-away teenagers are enabled to keep running because of individuals claiming they're helping "the teens" situation. There is teenagers everywhere manipulating people and I'm sorry, there should be a consequence for the parents housing children that aren't theirs. That might correct the problem and have less teenagers on the street. I walked by a young teen, dressed wearing a hoody, DC shoes and a clean baseball cap just the other day asking for money because he's apparently homeless. I told him to go home or contact the Ministry. No child is homeless unless they choose to be. I do understand there is certain scenarios that warrant children to run but again, investigate it before opening yourself up to manipulation and a responsibility you will regret. So I'm speaking out for all the families that have run-away teenagers and I want to say, "You're not alone and I understand your frustrations when your child is enabled to run" "It's not your fault and us parents need some recognition that we've done the best we could" I'm no longer silent. If my dear teenager is reading this, you know the truths sweetheart. You know what you need to do and you're not homeless. NOR did you have a horrible home! Homeless people are the poor individuals that come from circumstances that have left them on the street. They have no supports. Teenagers have supports, our children definitely have supports. So whoever you are my only advice is to do your homework. For the parent I'm now discussing here, shame on you. You're ignorant. For our "son" good luck! We have bigger issues at hand right now and you know what they are. You will live with that. Consequences eventually come.
That above paragraph still rings true today. Now to date; we are moving forward as happily as we can be. Hoping for the best possible health for Gerald as he wasn't given a secure or lengthy health span. Thoughts and prayers are needed. While we persevere!
Stay strong, positive and productive!
