Mary, My Dear Friend

My friend, Mary, and her husband adopted two little girls in the early 90s. Within a few weeks of the placement, it became clear that both girls were emotionally damaged. They had severe temper tantrums, and the older girl, at only age 4, repeatedly threw her 2-year-old sister down a flight of stairs when no one was looking.  The parents were unable to find a babysitter who would stay with the children more than once. This later turned to chasing each other around the house with knives.

By the time the girls entered their teen years, their anger and violence were being taken out on other children in the community resulting in frequent suspensions from school and being banned from school buses.

As they grew older they engaged in various criminal activities including robbery and assault, prostitution, as well as serving time in drug and alcohol rehab. Each had several children as single parents while enduring physical abuse and still engaging in risky behaviors during their pregnancies.

After enduring ten years of unimaginable stress, my friend and her husband of 23 years separated.

One daughter died recently of a drug overdose, leaving behind three young children. Because her lifestyle had distanced her from friends and acquaintances there was no one to step up and provide a loving home for her children, who were further damaged by witnessing domestic violence and hard drug use. 

My friend learned that the two younger children were destined for foster care. They have been diagnosed with ADHD, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and slight autism. They are also experiencing PTSD from witnessing the above-mentioned severe domestic abuse. 

Mary, in her 70s and living on a pension income, has taken them into her home where they are completing special schooling, receiving regular therapy, and are with the “Big Brother” and “Big Sister” programs. 

She, herself is experiencing PTSD, as she is enduring what she thought she left behind years ago, as some of the patterns are being repeated by one of her grandchildren.

Until now, she has provided well for them on her senior’s pension income, but the costs of psychotherapy for the children, their medication, orthodontist expenses, and therapeutic sports activities have become financially overwhelming.

Unfortunately, Mary recently encountered heavy maintenance home costs leaving her with tremendous debt which is putting additional emotional and financial pressure on the family.

Inevitably, her costs are going to rise substantially as time goes on and will not be sustainable. I am asking for any donation you can spare to help out this extraordinary woman who is dedicating her retirement years to giving these children a chance at a healthy life. Watching my friend go through this stress is difficult because of the emotional and financial stress that she is undergoing and is increasing as the days go by.

Please help this resilient friend of mine get through these trying times and get back to the peaceful life she had before. Thank you in advance for anything you can do, every little bit is greatly appreciated and will go towards only the essentials. Thank you, thank you, thank you! 

Sally XO