Tag: trouble

By:  Betty Predmore

I was called into the principal’s office again the other morning. There was a field trip coming up, and my son’s teacher was worried that his behavior would somehow cause a problem. So here I was again, sitting there trying to keep my emotions under control, as I tried to make her understand that this little boy was not a mean boy, he was not out to cause problems, he was just a little boy who is the victim of his birth mother’s choices.

Fetal alcohol syndrome is no joke. It causes a lot of problems for the children who have to endure this physical disability that comes from exposure to alcohol in the womb. This little boy who has such a loving heart and such a generous nature sometimes struggles with how to handle his negative emotions.It takes him a little longer to process his thoughts and to consider the proper reaction to things. So sometimes his reactions are not appropriate. Sometimes his reactions are negative. Sometimes this happens at school. Does this make him a bad boy? Absolutely not!

I find myself repeatedly sitting in the principal’s office, repeatedly tried to explain that all he needs is a time out. All he needs are some extra minutes to gather his emotions and thoughts before he reacts. All he needs is some compassion and understanding. Am I asking for special treatment for my son? Absolutely! He is a special child with special needs, so I expect special treatment and consideration of those needs.

This child has taught me a lot. He has taught me about patience and understanding. He has taught me about compassion and revelation. He has taught me about love through the tough times. And he has taught me the importance of going to battle for our children and making sure their needs are met. I will continue to be his champion. I will continue to go to bat for him. I will continue to be his voice. God blessed me with this child, this unexpected gift that is so unique and wonderful. He is a treasure. He is sometimes disobedience, sometimes uncontrollable, sometimes frustrating, but he is always my child.

In this, as in everything else, God is teaching me and growing me. He is using this little boy who walked into my home as a two-year-old to remind me of the importance of compassion and understanding, and the need to appreciate the differences in people. He is reminding me that no struggle is too big when He is in the picture. He is assuring me that He is walking alongside this beautiful boy and paving his way. He is continually reminding me that I have been specially chosen to be this little guy’s mama, and he is my good and perfect gift!

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow do to change. (James 1:17)