×

Story Of A Girl

Remember our young adolescent girl? She has relocated from the family house. She and her mom have a small apartment that contrasts greatly with the nice home they once shared with her dad. She doesn’t see him. She doesn’t have any communication with him. She knows that she misses her bedroom that’s more spacious than this apartment accommodates. She enjoyed her backyard with the neighborhood friends and her dog. She has some contact with her former neighborhood friends. It’s not the same. Daily contact is no longer the same. Face to face was more satisfying. Change of address, neighborhood and school has gradually reduced the once tight-knit friendships. And, yes, she had to bid her dog a teary goodbye since this apartment wouldn’t allow pets.

She cries herself to sleep nearly every night. She has bad dreams nearly every night. She feels tired in the morning. She’s gained some weight. She’s not motivated for at-home exercise. There’s no park nearby to hang out with friends. She wonders if she needs to keep her basketball. She was on the school’s basketball team. She rode the bench and played only for a few minutes. She enjoyed the camaraderie and the woman coach. She worked hard in practice and displayed improvement. She doesn’t know if this school has a basketball tam. Probably, she thinks, yet she’s not motivated to find out or even to join. Dad’s job kept him away a lot. He was unable to attend games. Mom did, though.

She comes home to an empty apartment. Mom works late. She tries to complete her homework assignments. Some classes are more difficult than others. She had some tutorial help with good success at her former school. Mom used to help with her homework. Now, Mom arrives exhausted, hungry and ready to call it a night. They talk a little, yet not like the long talks they’d have. Mom made a mean chocolate cake, which they devoured over talks replete with tears, laughter and upset. Mom did explain at the last talk she can remember about leaving their home. The tears sure did flow that night. Starting all over again at an unfamiliar place did not sound inviting. Why did the need to move? Why couldn’t they just stay put in their home? Divorce? How come mom was getting a divorce? Was Dad so bad? Yes, we saw little of him. I think the bills were paid. Mom said no. The bills were not paid and they were losing their home. What abut Dad? Where was he going to live?

One memorable night mom cam home tired as usual. Her day was long. The demand and hours caused her to be less attentive to her girl. No dinner was made, even though mom left a note explaining clearly what to do for dinner. Irritation, then greater upset ensued. Yelling and tears lead to words. This transformation wasn’t going well for either she or her loving daughter. She made a quickie meal. A calmer talk in bed followed and a decision to see help was rooted.

The next day, Mom made an appointment at school with the school psychologist. They met. She disclosed what had transpired leading to a change of home, school, family dynamic and collective upheaval. A recommendation for family counseling was made. Options for providers for Mom to contact gave rise to hope. Mom concurred that her daughter sees the school psychologist to help with transition. Though not an easy decision and carrying some resistance, counseling began.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today