Tuesday, August 19, 2014

JEAN TELLS US ABOUT THOMAS

Well, we finally found out !! Elmer and Anna's daughter had an 8 pound, 5 ounce baby girl and they named her after Anna's first name.  So her name is Anna Marie.  We went to see them today at the hospital and the baby is so darling.  Elmer is happy that they finally got another girl.  It seems all his grandchildren lately had been boys so it was nice to have a baby girl.  So happy that Mother and daughter are doing well and will come home tomorrow.

Elmer forgot to put up a gift that Anna wanted.  Her greenhouse.  Elmer had purchased it and it was stored in his old barn.  When they went into move the cows, Bishop Eli asked him what was all wrapped up in the corner and Elmer remembered what it was.  With moving and everything he forgot it was in there.  David, Michael, Edward and Thomas are over at Elmer's house putting it up.  Anna will have another surprise when they pull in the driveway.

Thomas is a 17 year old who was with another Old Order Mennonite Foster Home where it did not work out.  I still haven't figured why it didn't work out.  He had met Michael and Edward doing service.  The boys wanted to be the ones that told him he was going to our house.  So the Social Security people pulled up and we pulled up in a driver's car.  Michael and Edward got out and walked up to Thomas.  Thomas told them he was going to another house, but he didn't know where.  Michael said he knew and added that he had always hoped that he would get a house like ours.  Thomas said yes, that's what he wanted, but wouldn't get one.  Edward told Thomas, you are coming to our house.  Thomas thought they were kidding.  So the Social Service people took him to our house.  We followed behind.

All Thomas came with was a suit case.  Nothing else.  That was like when Michael came.  Thomas dresses Old Order Mennonite, attends our daily prayers and goes to our meeting house.  He has been wearing Old Order Mennonite clothes for several years.  Even when we do chores he dresses in Old Order Mennonite clothes.  He didn't have any casual clothes like Michael, Edward and David do.

We were concerned because at the first meal we all sat down at, he ate three servings.  Now, we have had that happen with the men in our family before, but you would have thought this was Thomas' last meal.  He is very thin.  Social Services didn't give me a report on his medical.

Being a worried Mother, I called our doctor and made an appointment for Thomas.  He couldn't eat after eight, the night before because the doctor wanted a blood test and other tests the next day before he saw him.  After the tests and before the doctor, we bought Thomas some clothes, shoes, etc. at the stores.  At lunch, he ate a lot.

Thomas wanted to go in alone to see the doctor and I let him as long as he gave the doctor permission to tell me everything on the report and he did.  Doctors report is that Thomas is below what he should weigh for his size and weight.  He hasn't been eating as much as he should.  I explained that he eats a LOT at the meals like he hasn't been fed.  The doctor said that could be the problem.  It seems he hasn't been in a home where he was fed enough.  All the tests came through just fine.  He has a lot of muscle like a young person his age should.  Thomas is also very nervous, but the doctor believes that is from changing homes again and again.  He wants to comply with the rules in every house he's in. Doctors advice is to get some weight on Thomas.  After living with us for a while, he will calm down - doctor hopes.

After discussing this with David, we decided it might be a good idea if Michael and Edward spoke with Thomas telling how they came here and that we don't strike anyone for punishment.  If we must give punishment it is either extra chores or being sent to your room.  When sent to your room only for about an hour and meals are never with held.  So Michael and Edward did.  That seemed to calm Thomas down a bit and time has seemed to help, too.

What information we have on him is that he has been a Foster Child for many years.  He has a sister somewhere in the system, but hasn't seen her for years.  He was going with a girl in Seneca Falls, NY who was Old Order Mennonite, but now having moved thinks he won't see her again.  He won't tell us anything about the last house that we got him from.  The reports only say that it didn't work it and that Thomas had done nothing wrong.

When I asked him what he wanted for dinner one morning, he said no one ever asked him that before.  He told me it didn't matter, but he told the boys he would really wanted steaks and they told me.  So that night we had steaks, potato salad, chow-chow relish, fresh corn on the cob and apple pie.  We all really enjoyed that.

David and I explained to him that he is a member of our family.  That we go through the good times and the bad times together.  We work together and play together.  We think he is a little afraid of us yet.  He is a hard worker.  There isn't any chore he won't do.  He is very polite.

One evening we told about some of the times in our house like when David sent Michael to his room and forgot.  Came supper time and we all sat down.  Grandmother Olive asked where Michael was.  Then David remember he had sent him to his room.  We went and got him, David apologizing to Michael about forgetting him.  We also told about the time Michael accidentally set the house on fire.  The time that Susan ran down the cellar stairs and Edward was coming up and many more.

We found out that at his previous Foster Home, they did nothing on his 17th birthday, but wish him Happy Birthday.  So we are giving him a belated Birthday party.  After much tracking, we found the girl he was going with so she and her parents are coming to the party.  Thomas doesn't know that.  All of us are buying him gifts, but we think she will be the present he wants the most.  Now we are trying to track down his sister.

Since Thomas has been here, he has calmed down a lot, but is still a bit nervous.  He eats a lot, like the other young folks, but not like it is his last meal.  One worry is that when he turns 18 next year, we are going to make him leave our house.  David and I told him, we have never asked any Foster Child or adopted child to leave our house and we aren't starting now. This is his home.  I think it will take him a while before he believes it.

Be With God,
Jean


21 comments:

Countryside Reflections said...

How lucky for Thomas to have found Jean and David. It's so sad though to learn that it has taken him 17 years to finally have a loving home. It sounds like Michael and Edward are happy to have him there, and I'll pray that everything works out okay for the whole family.

It's so nice to hear from Jean again.

Doreen

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Doreen,

Jean said there are a lot of children in the Foster Children Program who don't have like real homes. It is sad.

Am trying to get Jean to do more posts.

Marilyn

Vickie said...

I am moved to tears with this morning's post. I thank God that Thomas is in his new permanent home and is loved. I am praying for you all. God bless you all.

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Vickie,

So happy that Thomas has a good home now. Jean said there are a lot more children out there are still looking for homes and it is sad.

Hugs to Mabel and Henry,
Pierre and Marilyn

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Folks,

Drum roll, please !!!! I finally got a new camera, thanks to you all.
We looked at the Canon, but they now have some new type battery that Wal-Mart does not sell, so I put that one out.

We ended up buying a Nikon Coolpix L30. It has 20.1 megapixes and a zoom. It uses AA batteries. The SP from my old camera fits the new one, so I didn't have to buy one of those. I can take it back to Wal-Mart in 15 days if I don't like it. Yes, I did get the warranty. I got the factory warranty that comes with it and the two year store warranty that Jean wanted me to get. The total Came to $115.56.

Now I have to read the directions and go take pictures. Thank you all so much for your donations.

Marilyn

Tom said...

Every young person needs lovely parents. It looks like Thomas (nice name) has found them at last. Tom The Backroads Traveller

Countryside Reflections said...

Congratulations on the new camera. I'm glad that you were able to find one you like.

Doreen

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Tom,
I agree with you. It's sad that some don't get them. It is a good name.

Marilyn

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Doreen,

Thank you. I am so glad we found one, too. Looked up the last one and had it three years. I think what caused that one problems was the tractor auction last summer or fall. The dust got it, I think. Will be more careful. Of course it could be it just wore out like the repairman said.

Marilyn

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Doreen,

Thank you. I am so glad we found one, too. Looked up the last one and had it three years. I think what caused that one problems was the tractor auction last summer or fall. The dust got it, I think. Will be more careful. Of course it could be it just wore out like the repairman said.

Marilyn

New York State Of Mind said...

Oh, a tip on Wal-Mart. I looked at battery chargers in the camera section and they wanted $26.95. The lady said to look at the ones where the batteries are in the front of the store. There, the same battery charger was $19.95. I took it to the camera department to check it out. It was the same make, voltage, style, etc. I asked the lady what the difference was. Prices are higher in the back because it is the "camera department". In the front, by the exit, it is the "battery department". Just wanted you to know this if you had to buy a battery charger. I didn't buy one today, but I will and I will buy it from the "Battery department." Which makes me wonder what other items in the store are like that. Lower in price in one department from another.

Marilyn

Anonymous said...

Dear Jean, Thanks for posting more info on a few things. Once again you+David+your family are proving to many what it means to BE the Body of Christ. I'm sure over time Thomas will adjust well to your family and embrace the loving care he is experiencing now and always. Hope he has a wonderful birthday party and will be totally surprised with the gifts you're preparing for him. I'm also sure Michael+Edward are veery encouraging etc, especially since the 3 of them are close in age.
Welcome little Anna Marie to your loving family, too. Glad all is well.
Yes, Anna will be on e more surprised when she sees the Greenhouse all set up for her!
So glad Marilyn now has a new camera! What fun she'll have learning about it and getting back on track taking pics galore! Blessings to all, In Christ, Carol

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Carol,
I will see that Jean gets your message. Will also tell Anna your comment about the baby and greenhouse.

So glad I got the camera thanks to you and so many others.

Blessings in Christ to you and yours,
Marilyn

Ingrid said...

What a wonderful post today.Congratulations to Anna's family on the birth of a new baby girl.What an honor to have her named Anna,and i imagine she will be thrilled with her green house too.Just curious,how many grandchildren do Anna & Elmer have?

Hearing about Thomas makes me both sad and happy.Can't imagine what it must feel like being passed from one foster home to another.However the happy part is being in your family now,Jean.Hope it won't be long before he feels like he belongs,and is fully able to enjoy being in a loving home and family. God bless you all.

Marilyn happy to hear that you were able to get a new camera.Looking forward to all the pictures to come. Ingrid

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Ingrid,
Will see that Anna and Jean get your messages. I can't wait to take some pictures with the new camera.

Marilyn

Bonnie C. said...

Congratulation to Elmer and Anna on their new granddaughter.
Happiness for Marilyn for her new camera.
Thankfulness to Jean and David for taking in and showing love to Thomas .. sounds like he was really in need of someone to care.
I really enjoyed reading .. even though it was very sad for a child to grow up without love and support like Thomas has had to do. I do hope and pray that he has found his forever family. Thank you for caring and for being so thoughtful about his feelings. God bless you.

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Bonnie C,
I will see that Anna and Jean get your messages. I know it is hard on us to think that there are children in this world that don't have homes or a family.

I am happy about having a new camera. Now I can go and take pictures.

God Bless you and yours,
Marilyn

Willow's Quiet Corner said...

It was nice to hear from Jean! I'm so glad Thomas finally have a home, but it is so sad there are so many children out there who are in situations like this.

Congratulations to Anna and Elmer on their newest granddaughter! I can imagine how much happier she was when she saw the new greenhouse!

Glad to hear you got your new camera, Marilyn! I got my mom a little point and shoot Nikon a couple of years ago and it's working out well for her! I'm sure yours will work out just fine for you!

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Willow's Quiet Corner,
I will see that Jean, Anna and Elmer get your messages. I know they will appreciate them.

Happy to hear about your Mother's camera. I hope it works fine for many years. Also, I thank you and everyone that made it possible for me to get it.

Marilyn

kymber said...

Marilyn - i know that i am usually a rambler but this whole post just touched me in such a way that i feel quiet. i am glad for everyone mentioned in the post, for various reasons, but i am so very happy that Thomas has found a forever home. please pass on my best wishes to everyone. i have so much to say to each but i think i will just be quiet and say that in a world of crazy turmoil - it is so nice to come here and read of lovely and happy things.

i am glad that you got your camera! your friend,
kymber

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Kymber,
Your don't ramble. Glad to hear what you have to say. I am glad that Thomas has a home, too. Sure am glad I had the parents I did when I grew up. I will pass your message on to Jean and her family. I know they will appreciate it.

I am glad I have that camera, too.

Your Friend,
Marilyn