A few days ago Mrs. Curate and I became the guardians of our two nephews. They are 10 and 12 and and they’ve come to live with us and our two daughters because my brother-in-law, who is a single parent, is suffering from depression and can’t get them to school regularly. They will be finishing the school year with us and possibly staying longer, depending on how he does getting his life in order. We’re prepared for the long run.
The 12 year old has had a bit of trouble in school with his behaviour and the 10 year old has some developmental issues that I think are probably due to drug use by his mother during pregnancy. We’re hoping that a more structured home life and attention from the both of us might be beneficial.
All of this came up rather suddenly. Eight years ago when their divorce was in process we discussed the possiility of becoming the boy’s guardians and decided we’d do it if we were needed, but the need never arose and in the years since the possibility seemed remote. Now we’ve got twice as many kids as we had a month ago and I’m experiencing a set of emotions I haven’t felt since our youngest was born 12 years ago. Not bad, you understand, just ---- shock, I guess.
Have any of you all ever done this? I know it’s pretty common, but I’d like to hear your experiences.
Curate