Save Aiden From Abuse And Neglect

This is the voice of a desperate mother. This is the heart of a warrior. This is the battle cry for the fathers, the sisters, and all the others.

We need help.

Aiden came to live with us about one month ago. This is my prayer:

“Where do I even begin? Well, I’ll start with what we are dealing with right now. My step-son is 8 years old going into 2nd grade this year. He was held back in Kindergarten. We tell him it was because he has moved so frequently. The truth is, his mother didn’t make sure he was at school as frequently as he needed to be. His academics have been fine, but socially, he had to be held back and he still struggles to act his age. You see, there is nothing actually wrong with him. He doesn’t have any learning disabilities that we are aware of, nor have I ever had a problem with him significant enough to make me believe he needs any extra academic help. The problem his; he has been severely neglected.

“I used to go pick him up with my husband at his mother’s and his room would have dog poop on the floor. Around, in, on, and under his bed was very old and rotten food. His bed even had vomit on his bed that had never been cleaned up. Of course, I have never had any power to do anything about this since I am not his legal guardian. Trust me when I tell you I have contacted the proper authorities on multiple occasions and nothing has been done. My husband has made many unsuccessful attempts as to change these circumstances in the long-term.

“My husband and I received a phone call a few weeks ago from someone in my step-son’s life. We were told to get to Virginia (where he was living with his mother) immediately. I left work as soon as I got the call, packed my husband and a quick suitcase, and we drove to the apartment. No hesitation. After all, even one whiff of a child being in trouble and I’m not messing around anymore. Upon arrival, nothing looked as bad as we were told it might be. We were confused, but we rolled with it. We received permission from my step-son’s mother to bring him to our home for a visit until the end of August. How exciting!

“When we would get my step-son for a few days when he was younger, he would be disheveled and would misbehave. Within 3 days, I would watch the dark circles disappear from under eyes as I got him back on a sleeping schedule. I would watch his behavior adjust as I disciplined him through structure. His rough exterior and bad attitude would disappear as I would discuss feelings with him. He would physically thicken up a bit after giving him the proper vitamins and nutrients. Within 3 days, I would take a basically sick and neglected child and put him back together again. No regrets.

“She is in jail. She has been evicted. We now have my step-son. A huge financial hit, a significant emotional change, and a schedule adjustment. Why is she in jail? What was really going on in that home? Thank you, God, for that phone call before this happened so that we could remove him from the environment before another arrest and an eviction.

“So, what now? He is enrolled in school. He will be on Medicaid soon and enrolled in therapy. I am staying home with him and working from home. My husband is working outside the home and looking for a 2nd job. What does my step-son know? About as much as an 8-year-old can handle. This home is safe, secure, and stable. I am a phenomenal step-mother. Anyone and everyone will tell you that, including both of his parents.

You may be wondering why I am telling you this. You may be wondering what the rest of the story is. You may have a desire to help.

“Please hear my plea for prayers for our situation. Please pray that this innocent child remains in the care of my husband and me. Please pray that God gift us with financial relief. Please pray that all traces of trauma will be washed clean for that little boy.

“Speaking of faith, would you believe that after everything this little boy has been through, he still has a relationship with Jesus? On his own, he talks to Jesus, knows rather mature information regarding God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and has a personal desire to learn more and become closer with God.

“My husband and I are incredibly focused right now. There is no room nor time for us to fall apart. We have a purpose in this child. We have a responsibility to normalize this child’s life and continue to grow the spiritual aspect of this household. No matter how stressed out we might be, we must stay focused.

“Friends, Family, Community, Everyone: Please. Pray.”

So, what on earth do we need money for? The answer is this: this child needs safety and security. He needs a financially stable home. We need to get back on our feet. We need an attorney to guide us through this process.

Even if you donate $1, I say thank you, my husband says thank you, and my step-son, one day, will say it as well.

I’d like to give you the opportunity to lay your eyes upon his face and see why we love him so much that we are willing to humble ourselves, swallow our pride, and ask for financial help.