We can often become numb to the tragedy and hardness that the stories we hear contain. It can be easy to try to find processes, check lists and therapy techniques to keep us all going. But, there are times when you can’t numb. You just have to sit in the pain, the grief and what seems to be the unfairness of life.
That was the case this past week when we had a stepfather of one of the boys come to the offices and share that the mother had passed away. She had lost parental authority, but like most of the children, Josue (fictious name) had hopes of one day reconnecting after they turn eighteen.
Lately, we have had several deaths in biological family members. It’s hard enough facing the truth of why there has been separation, but to face death can well up a million emotions no one knew they had inside them. So many questions left unanswered, unresolved and nagging deep within.
The mother had been sick for a while – issues with her kidneys and thyroid. The Friday before Easter, the cough she had been experiencing landed her in the hospital, diagnosed with pneumonia and intubated. She passed away a few days later. Because of the visits our social workers had made with the mother, the stepfather knew where to come to let us know. This was not an easy conversation to have. Hopes that Josue had of visiting with his mom where now gone.
Josue attended the funeral and was able to spend time with a half-brother who is seven years old. The last time Josue remembers seeing his stepbrother was when he was just a few months old. This time together sparked a desire to get to know his stepbrother and be a big brother – to be family. Perhaps God will use this encourage Josué to continue to work on his own issues that arise because of his last abuse to be healthy for his stepbrother.
The desire to have and be family runs deep. No matter the situation, how hard it is, the hope that things can be better lingers. Our family program is crucial to healing for the children and families we serve. Thank you to everyone who gives so that we can walk with families in hard places. There is always hope in Jesus, the Healer.
