Monday, November 1, 2010

This is just the beginning, I know!

So, my 10 year old started a new school this year. I was very nervous for her as she is what I like to call...socially awkward. Just like ME! Anyway, she seems to be doing ok. Making some friends and after a rough start with grades, seems to be getting a handle on that too. She has talked about this 'boy' quite a bit. He seems very smart. And I have encouraged her to be friends with him because he seemed to be able to help her with homework stuff but also truly WANTED to be her friend. Showed her how to play basketball, sat by her at lunch, etc. So they exchanged phone numbers and he gave her his email address. So, when the time came for Grandma's Halloween party, we allowed her to invite him. She was very excited.

That night he was the only one that hadn't shown up yet and I stepped outside to check once more before deciding to start the party without him but here he came walking down the driveway with his mom. (Very pretty lady.) I introduced myself and told her that the party should end in about 1.5 hours. In came Caleb and Ashley was all smiles.

Well...turns out that Scott and his kids (who were also there at the party) already KNEW Caleb! AND as they reminded me, I knew OF him too! I have heard stories of his family for YEARS! And have met his sister numerous times. Sigh... This is where the story turns...

You see, that family, is a MESS! The mom is currently in rehab (allowed out on the weekends). The dad is there and not there and is a macho asshole. The daughter was 14 when I saw her and scared the shit out of me with how mature she was. No 14 year olds should be THAT comfortable. She dressed provacatively and talked too maturely. The parents argued horribly in front of the kids and I heard many stories (some directly from the daughter) about how selfish the parents were and self absorbed into their own world. The daughter has a boyfriend and he is allowed over whenever. She is only 15 now. Here is the worst thing I heard...the mother about 6 months ago asked Scott's mom if Scott's brother, Scott's 17 year old daughter and her 14 year old could get an apartment together. And she was SERIOUS!

I am sad now. Sad that Caleb has a crazy, messed up family. Sad because this is NOT who I imagined him to be. Sad because he is NOT what I want for my daughter in the long run. And sad because I realized that this is the battle I will fight with my daughters for the rest of their lives probably...the battle of what Mom wants vs. what Daughter wants. I know, because it is a battle that my mom still fights with me to this day. So even in 8-10 years when my daughters are officially grown up...the battle will not be over. :(

Update to Blog titled "Ugh..."

Ok, so back a few months ago I wrote about the funeral I attended and then was shamed for feeling so judgemental about the family. I didn't go into it on the previous blog but I was mighty impressed with the son when he got up and spoke. His maturity (I think he is about 30) and calmness and overall sincerity.

Well guess what? He was a fraud! Turns out the f**ker has been frauding his dad (who has Parkinson's) for months. Him and his new wife were treating him like crap and had stolen about $30,000! The drama is still unfolding and I am sure the son will be arrested at some point (the bank said they would take care of that part) and you know what? I am glad! Not only that he will get what is due to him but that I was a little bit RIGHT! What an ASS!