Our Life Has Changed...

[kajamelu4]

....and you won't believe how much in one week.
Last Saturday night, when we got home from dinner with friends, a message from the sheriff was on our machine. My husband's only brother had fallen off a bridge and was killed instantly. He's a single man, with one son, and one grandson. It fell to us to take care of everything.
We could not locate his son or two year old grandson until Monday afternoon. (The son is a meth addict. The grandson was with his mother.)We were trying to plan a funeral, take care of his property, and deal with my in-laws (who are devastated at the loss of their son) all at the same time as trying to search for the son and grandson.
My husband's brother had custody of the grandson because of both of the parents addictions. So we picked up papers from the lawyer at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, had them signed by both parents by noon, and was in front of the judge at 2:00 p.m. We now have a two year old boy added to our family. Life has been a little nuts! (What an understatement!)
We still have lots and lots to take care of. My brother-in-law owned two successful businesses. (The meth head son thinks he is going to run both of them.) We still have lots of lawyer hours to go before life gets easier again.
The thing that bothers me the most through all of the legal dealings so far.....that two parents can just sign their child away. Just like that. Standing in our front yard. Took less than 10 minutes for the whole thing. Just makes me want to slap them across the room (as my mother-in-law is fond of saying).
So anyway......I just needed to vent a little. Keep us in your prayers as we go throught this very difficult time. And if I ever get to camp again, and I'm next to you, try to remember that this little boy, who is sorta loud, has had a tough row to hoe so far in life.


Karol

[Catoosa Grani]

Wow, Karol, I admire you for taking on that little boy. I know what you mean about the parents, to let a precious child just be taken out of their lives. Well, they have no business with a child and I am glad someone like you can take him in and raise him. Good luck and we will take him into the teardrop family and be considerate of him with all the things he has been through. We will be praying that all goes well with you.

Grani

[mary and bob]

yep, life can change forever in an instant. I work with one guy and know another that took in grandkids from their druggie kids or stepkids. to me that makes them real heroes, it was something they really didn't need, but it had to be done. you can only hope the grandkid eventually knows and appreciates all you will have done for him. one of the guys said he doesn't think his do, and the others grandkids are too young yet to figure it out. best of luck to you. Bob

[madjack]

OMG, Karol...whatta bomb to have dropped on yourselves...I know ya somewhat from your time here and know y'all will do whats best for all...we will keep ya in our prayers and thoughts...and do bring the little tyke campin' with ya.....
madjack

[Juneaudave]

Shucks...when life serves you lemons, make lemonade!!! I'm really proud of you stepping up in a very difficult situation. There isn't any doubt in my mind that you will work through this!!!

[tonyj]

I think you have earned the right to vent, and the rest of us are wimps for complaining about our "hard" lives and troubles.

Very sorry to hear about your husband's brother. That is a very terrible thing to have happen. Sometime in the future I hope your little two year old will be able to look back and find that being granted the opportunity to become one of your family as one of the best events to happen in his life, in the wake of a true tragedy.

Blessings on you and your family for shouldering such huge responsibilities. Our best thoughts go with you.

[Coca Cola Teardrop]

WOW Karol,
I thought I had a bad week.............

A very good friend of mine ( age 72) had brain surgery on Saturday.

One of my "other" kids moved to Augusta Georgia on Saturday and had her baby 4 months early on Monday and we lost the baby on Tuesday.

The 31 year old daughter of a lady I go to craft shows with was missing for over a week. They found her in a crack house and she chose to stay there and not go home to take care of her 3 children ( 2 are special needs)

Sorry for the hijack but like you said you need to vent sometimes.

I know that you will be the best thing to happen to that child. Just meeting you a couple of times camping and knowing all the things you do with your children (instead of camping) he will fit right in in your home.

You guys will be in my prayers.

Linda

[48Rob]

You and your husband are special

[oklahomajewel]

Karol.... I sit here reading this thread and can't even think of what I can say , and my eyes are filled with tears... not only for the tragic and sudden loss to your hubby and his folks , but because I know what a wonderful woman and mother you are and you and I know that God is putting everything in the right place for all of you, and He's right there with you too.

I can't even begin to tell you how much I admire your strength... everything will be alright & you know you'll have to bring him camping and we'll love him !!!

Tell Lucas and Meggie and your folks and all that I send them my best wishes .... love you!

Julie

[deputydogrick]

Karol,
God Bless you and yours, may all your "roads" from here be filled with sunshine. You're very special people to take on these life changing responsibilities.
Rick

[Miriam C.]

Karol and Linda our prayers are with you. Karol the little guy is welcome when we camp. I just love the active ones.

Karol I can't think of a better mom for this child. Enjoy him and teach him to call you mom. It will help him transition to your home and your rules. Little children really need a mommy/daddy.

You might get his ears checked by a specialist though. Our granddaughter has an ear piercing scream that she hasn't learned to moderate because she needed tube and the Dr. missed it. She is still learning to have a quiet voice.

[FireLion]

Karol, my prayers and energies are with you also. I know how it feels to suddenly have to take on more resposibilities. My wife & I raised 3 grandsons for over a year while my son worked out his drug problems. I'm happy to say that it all worked out well, as he is now the leader of an A.A. group. Indeed, it was taxing at times, but at least those boys stayed with family. You hang in there and stay strong, you will be rewarded.

[Woodyperk6]

I am so sorry to hear about your and your husbands loss. You can bring that little boy and camp next to us anytime.

[swissarmygirl]

Hang in there. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hope you'll be sailing calmer waters soon.

[The Teardrop Nanny]

Dear Karol & Family,

My deepest sympathy goes out to you in these trying times. Your response to the situation shows that regardless of the circumstances, you have shown unconditional love and compassion for your brother-in-law and his offspring. Your caring, love and kindness in the face of a tragic event such as this one will make all the difference in a little one's life.

Joanie
TDN Bless you and your family