Shared Parenting

[Tiramisu]

I have one younger sister. She has two biological sons (34yo & 30yo), three adopted daughters (22yo, 15yo, 7yo), and one adopted son (6yo). My sis and her hubby have fostered around 60 children in 25 years.

The 22yo (Courtney) did well academically in school, but is not having much luck "getting out in the world". She's very introverted. She went to college for 3 days, enlisted in the Air Force for a month, and has worked at every dollar store and wal-mart within driving distance. GUESS WHERE SHE IS NOW - my house! I'm going to give her the best chance I can offer. She'll essentially stay with us (rent free) and work (probably Wal-Mart) around her school schedule. We're hoping that she can cope with college with us keeping her motivated.

I have one younger brother whose wife died about five years ago, leaving him with a 10yo daughter. He's never been the same and is continuing to struggle. Jessica stayed with us for about three years while he moved back to LA to live with our Mom. She did well with us, but wanted to be with her Dad. They did OK with Mom until they got a little house and have both bottomed out, turning into depressed hermits. GUESS WHO IS COMING TO LIVE WITH ME - when school goes out! I haven't seen her since Christmas, but she told my Mom that she wants to come back to be with me. Her grades are bad and her hygiene is horrible. My guess is that she has no self esteem. Jess is a great kid. I hope I can "save" her. I want to go get her now, but she said she'd be OK for another month.

God knew what was best when I wanted to sale our big house and move to a small lake house! I'm just glad that I'm getting younger, eventhough I won't be retiring next year like I wanted!