This is a true story:
There is a man and a woman who met and fell in love while working at Electrolux, here in Anderson. They found each other and hit it off because they are both different from other folks and I suppose were naturally drawn to one another. It was the first true love either had experienced, as far as I know. They have developed a very strong bond. They are both products of very bad upbringings. No moral teachings. Addictions, sexual and physical abuse, multiple parental figures wondering in and out of their life, poverty, etc. This was the norm for both of them coming up as children. If you met them you would know that they have probably been picked on all their life. All this contributes to the bond they now share. Two odd folks finding each other and holding on for dear life. Them against, what for them has been, a very cruel world.
I'm not up to speed on the latest politically correct lingo on what was wrong with these two folks but they are somewhat mentally retarded. What medical terminology would describe them I never learned. They are definitely very slow. He has a drivers license, they can follow a simple budget but neither is able to work. They are able to feel things. I've see them both cry. I have seen them very happy. They are easy to make laugh. Infact their emotions are more pure than you and I. They haven't developed the facades and defense mechanisms we may have developed. They are alot like 8 year old children in that way.
They got pregnant. The day they delivered, the baby was taken by DSS because the parents had evidently exhibited some behavior that was considered dangerous for a newborn. Nothing evil mind you, just it was judged that their limited mental capacity would make it dangerous for a newborn. I never got the full story on exactly what was observed but in hindsight, it was probably the right thing to do. The move was not considered permanent. They would have a chance to show that they were able to care for a child. The baby's name is Joshua.
Joshua moved in with a Foster care family. The Foster mother is a wonderful lady but DSS was going to give Joshua's parents every opportunity to earn a chance to raise their own son. So the training began. Twice a week they were allowed to spend several hours with Joshua and an observer/trainer. They learned about diet, discipline, safety, cleanliness, diapers..everything. They saw him just enough to desperately want to see him the next time. This training has been going on for three years now and they have been under the impression that they were going to win. But the lessons have not stuck. For whatever reason, they have not been able to retain enough of what DSS has tried to teach them. Their day in court was Thursday. The trial was very hard to watch. They have been judged a danger to their little boy and yesterday, their parental rights were officially terminated.
They don't know the outcome. Nobody has told them yet but they will probably find out today. I can't imagine how that is going to feel. I hope their bond is strong enough. I hope they turn to Jesus rather than further away. I hope you will pray for them when you read this. I hope this story helps make you thankful for who God made you. I hope your day is going well.
