Tuesday, February 20, 2007

It Just Isn't Fair

In my work as an elementary school counselor, children often say things that make me laugh, things that make me feel inspired, things that make me want to weep, and especially lately, things that make me want to bring them home with me. (Really, my husband is completely prepared to come home to a houseful of school-aged children on any given day).

And every now and then a child will say something that rips my heart right out of my chest. Today, a child-- currently living with her step-father but is legally in the custody of Social Services-- looked me straight in the eyes and said this:

You know, it just isn't fair that my mom doesn't come to see me. I see other kids hug their mommies and it makes me so mad. You know what I think? I think that if you are going to lay down with someone and have 1, 2, 3 (she counted off on her fingers) kids, you ought to at least take care of them.

This statement is a perfect example of why I both LOVE and HATE my job.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I know exactly what you mean. I have two beloved little ones in my room that I silently weep for daily who are in the same boat. Their mothers just aren't there; one emotionally and the other physically. What's up with that? I just don't get it. Yet these women continued to procreate with obvious ease.

Someday I hope it all becomes clear as to why this was allowed to happen, because right now it just seems really fucked up. (pardon the language, but no other word quite relayed my feelings.)
~Sarah

Anonymous said...

And this from an elementary-age child? Wow! Powerful and very, very sad.

Carol said...

how very sad for that child. And yes - totally not fair!

did you get a repeat beta?

Sarah said...

amazing how many kids there are in that situation. so sad and so unfair!

Susan said...

Oh. Yes. I got a repeat beta yesterday. 1152. So things are looking good.

JW said...

Thats very sad. It just goes to show how deeply the little ones are affected in situations like that. I wish I was that child's mother, I'd give it all the love that it deserves.

Aurelia said...

Oh, oh dear...so hard to hear from a child.

I am glad about your repeat beta though.

Unknown said...

To hear that from an elementary school age child - it must have broken your heart. It's not fair that she's had to grow up that much, that fast because her mother doesn't know the meaning of the word.

And congrats on your beta number - that is awesome news!

abby said...

Oh wow, how sad. It must be so hard to have to hear things like that, but how wonderful that you are doing this kind of work. I have a friend who works with kids like that and she is full of similar sad stories...it breaks my heart.

Congrats on the beta! :)

Anonymous said...

it's sad when the children understand more than the parents. my only hope is that they learn from their parents' mistakes.