Hell Bent Hearts

Prednisone makes you emotional. Really emotional. I am already a r-e-a-l-l-y emotional person, just ask those closest to me. I can get teary-eyed over a cute commercial, words to a country song, a touching gesture, etc. This past week or so, since beginning the medication, I've had to struggle greatly to keep the dam from leakin' as I well up at life's little moments. And we've sure had our share of 'em lately.

I've written entries about Bubba, my now 17 year old adopted son, who has struggled with a lot of things during these trying teenage years, but especially drugs and alcohol. What I hadn't yet written is the story of him running away to Oklahoma to be with his "family."

The family that lost custody of him and his siblings, when he was three, as a result of a "child abuse-homocide" in the home.

That 18 month old baby who died, was my nephew and that's a whole different story. Bubba, a half-brother to that baby, has been with us and his younger half-sister since he was 8 years old, after nearly 5 years in the Oklahoma Child Protection Services.

On November 11, 2003, Bubba ran away to Oklahoma as we later found out. For three weeks, we didn't know where he was and he wouldn't contact us. It was killing his Papa and I and we finally ran him down, at his birthmother's home. Long story short, when the police found him he said that he'd run away again if we made him return to our state. So, we talked about emancipation and he didn't qualify.

We opposed and still oppose him staying in her "home" since her parental rights were terminated many years ago. A decision upheld by the very wise, Oklahoma Supreme Court. This woman has serious issues with alcohol, telling the truth and child neglect/abuse. But, understandably Bubba has ties, and claims to be extremely happy there. The other siblings eventually made their way back to her too.

Nature vs Nurture. Blood is thicker than water. Home is where the heart is...and all that stuff.

continued............