I adopted my nieces and nephews a few years ago. It's been a challenge for us all . . . both financially and culturally because of my disabilities and my lifelong bachelor-hood.
My youngest's thirteenth birthday was in August. I heard her talking to her older sister a couple of months ago about some name-brand sneakers she "would die for." I saved my pennies and bought her the shoes for her birthday.
A week later she was an hour late coming home from school. We live only three blocks from school so the children walk to and from class. I WAS FRANTIC!! All kinds of sordid thoughts were ping-ponging around in my noodle!
I sometimes have to use a wheelchair and, after calling the local police, I rolled back and forth to her shool twice looking for her. I was about to call the FBI . . . LOL, though I didn't think it funny at the time . . . when a friend called, saying my child was safe and with her. My friend is an assistant manager at the local WalMart.
My eldest and I loaded up and sped to WalMart . . . it's about two miles from our home.
When we arrived, my soon-to-be-grounded-for-life daughter was waiting patiently by the information counter . . . loaded down with four shoe boxes my friend said she refused to put down.
The little stinker had walked to WalMart!! It's on a busy highway! I was boiling mad.
Then . . . I went from a volcano about to explode to a wimpering old Village Idiot in seconds.
My lovely child has good ears as well . . . she heard me and my eldest daughter discussing finances one time.
This Beautifu Blessing had taken back her $100+ shoes to WalMart and bought her and her three brothers and sisters all new pairs of school shoes. The little snot had even stolen a pair of each of her brothers and sisters shoes so she would know what size to get everyone.
So . . . maybe some folks have to buy their children $50,000 treehouses to feel good. My youngest made me feel like a REAL DAD and I only spent about twenty-five bucks a child.
I HAVE THE ABSOLUTE BEST CHILDREN IN THE WORLD!!!
Remember . . . LOL . . . I asked for your indulgement in the very first sentence of this novel.
That's a great story. My boys, 8 & 6, watch out for each other, too. When one of them has some money, he always make sure his brother can get something, too.
Thanks for the story! "Give and it will be given back to you, pressed down, shaken together and running over".