Some of you know Nate's story... some don't. Let me give you the cliff notes version. Meet Nate... (taken back in the summer on his first day of school)
Eric's cousin is Rodney. Rodney marries Diana & has 4 children, the youngest of whom is Nate. Rodney drowns in a horrible accident 5 years ago. Diana begins using drugs. Fast forward 5 years...Nate is 9, lives with his mom, but mom has a serious drug problem at this point... he begins to shuffle back & forth between relatives. He fails the 3rd grade because of failure to attend school. Then ... we get a phone call.
Nate is coming to live with us.
We're a little nervous, a little scared.... not sure what to expect. What do we get but a surprisingly well mannered little boy who is wise beyond his 9 years. I guess you have to be when you're acting as the parent. We enrolled him in school, he was doing great - then BAM! Mom comes to get him.... "nothing I can do" we're told. "She has full custody". I was absolutely heartbroken to see him go, simply because I knew in my heart it wasn't in his best interest.
We have spoken to him on a few occasions, and he recently came back to live with us again at her request. He insisted on going back with her - to be honest, I think he worried about her all the time - if he couldn't find her, he would cry. He told me that there were times he couldn't wake her up... and that he was afraid something was going to happen to her.
Well, this morning, something did.
Nate's mother was found in a hotel room, dead. A suspected accidental overdose. I have no words really - no words to describe how I feel.... I'm angry that she would put her children through this - the death of BOTH parents in 5 years. I'm desperately sad for the children - even though I know that in some ways, they are better off without her. I'm frustrated with DHR who has refused to do anything about the reports for the past 2 years. I'm really... just... heartbroken.
Please keep them in your thoughts & prayers.
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11 comments:
What a devastating situation. I'll definitely keep Nate and his siblings in my prayers.
I'm so sorry for their loss and what they have been through.
It is sooo sad. To bad everyone can't meet Nate. He is one of the sweetest kids I have ever met. Very mannerly and just always trying to please people. Please put him and his brother and sisters in your prayers.
Wow! He looks like such a strong spirit. I will also keep him in my prayers. It just breaks my heart to see children loose their childhood.
Oh Stephanie, I'm so sorry to hear what an even more tragic story this has become. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
How tragic- I am so sorry to hear this. I will definitely have your family in my thoughts and prayers. :(
What a terrible, tragic situation.
I will continue to keep Nate & his family and yours in my thoughts & prayers.
May he continue to have the love & support of your family.
Oh what a tragedy, I especially feel for Nate and his siblings. He does look like a lovely boy.
Oh Steph, I am so sorry. How awful. I was just thinking about Nate the other day and wondering how he was doing....he's Ty's age and I just can't imagine what he's been through. It's so unfair in so many ways. I just wish I could give him a big hug...and you too.
My heart hurts....
Bless his heart! I've prayed for them, and for you and your family!
praying for nate, his siblings, you & your family because all of you are involved in this tragic situation. God has and will continue to bless each one of you. your situation has weighed heavy on my heart & soul. you are in my prayers. remember everything happens for a reason. thank God nate has you & eric.
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