Name Your Poison

I consider myself a very giving person and I have probably done more than my share of helping and even rescuing folks over the years. 

I like to help people.  It makes me feel good.    When there are children involved, you don't have to ask me twice.  I can't stand to see kids go without food, shelter or the basics of life.  Such as security, stability, and solid adults that you can trust and depend on to protect you.  Especially when they brought you into this world. 

I was one of those children who often went without years ago.  We were the kind of family that churches brought boxes of holiday fixins' and presents to each year.  We probably didn't have to be in that position, but the "adults" that were supposed to be providing for all of us, made lots of bad choices. We often lacked enough to eat, guidance, and especially the security of knowing if we'd have a roof over our heads or the utilities on.  At one point, my mother was deemed "unfit" and she lost custody of us, to her ex-husband, which was nearly unheard of in the 1960s.

Often embarrassed by my circumstances, I vowed I would never live that way, nor would my children.  As a result, I have been a successful career woman, and mother.  I've made a very comfortable living and for the most part, handled my finances well.  I have created a beautiful home, and surround myself with the things I love.  My life is stable and I am secure.  My children will always be cared for and loved.  I will always be alright, no matter what.

I consider my self very blessed in life and readily share my good forture, believing that I am benefitting by sharing and giving. 

So, now to the story..............

About 4 years ago, my former sister-in-law, Donna, who hadn't been heard from in years, telephoned for help saying she and her 5 children were left stranded in Mississippi, by her new husband.  No food, no money, no home, in the middle of the summer.  She said her "family" wouldn't help her.  That should have told us something. 

Two of those children, the oldest girls, were fathered by my brother.  He wasn't in the picture and wouldn't have been the helpful sort anyway, considering his problems with drugs.  We desperately missed the girls and were thrilled to finally hear from them again.

We arrranged for them to take a Greyhound to our state, and we added 6 people to our household.  Out of the blue, Donna's husband shows up and then there are a total of 7 people, plus our family of 4.   There were several different stories of what brought them to the breaking point, that never quite added up.  

It was a struggle but we managed.  Friends, family and even a church assisted me in pulling together a complete household for them to start a new life.  After 4 months, we got them moved in to a rental house that I owned, with a very reasonable rent that just covered the house payment.  Papa loaned them a car and paid for the insurance.   

They thanked us profusely, promising to pay back every dime, and they insisted, despite our objections that it wasn't necessary.  

Both adults got jobs.  Donna as an LVN and he as a cook.  But he never lasted at a job more than a few days or sometimes a few weeks.  The rent was always late, despite the fact that Donna worked overtime, even if the husband wasn't working. 

They were a strange family and it was clear that once they were out of our home, that they didn't care to maintain family ties.  They would only come by our house to pay the rent.  They'd turn down invitations for family dinners or activities.  We'd bring presents for Christmas or birthdays, and they wouldn't invite us in the house.  There would never be telephone calls just to ask how we were doing or any thanks for the gifts we'd bring.  We just quit trying to be a part of thier lives, except for the rental agreement.  

Eventually their marital relationship faltered and he'd disappear, only to return off and on.  After a couple of years, he was finally out of the picture. 

(tobe continued)