[Again!]

How sad is it that my 14 year old son had to ask me that after our second phone conversation yesterday? (We have not met)He's been bounced around since age 9, one disruption, many foster homes, I must be mom number 5 at least. And he remains by all accounts a decent kid. Sometimes I wonder how it is even possible for a kid to survive in the system. The irony of that question, thrown in quickly just before we were going to hang up. At least I can look forward and know that by this time next year he'll be calling me mom and it will mean something. Hard to imagine what he must be feeling.

[kamamsm]

You are so right. How they survive with souls in tact is beyond belief. The child we disrupted with said to me- I've been baptised three times in three different churches. My heart broke for him. How confusing for a child! Best wishes on your new son.

[Original Mike]

My new son seems to be pretty unsure of what to call me. As with my first son, I'm not pushing either way on what to call me. My oldest calls me "Mike" but always refers to me in conversations with others as "Dad". (EX: "Dad says I can go to the movies.")

J seems to be trying to figure it out. He's now been with us a total of eight days, and he has referred to me as "Mike" once. The rest of the time, he simply comes up to me and asks the question he needs answered without any address.

On thing did strike me the other evening. On his first night with me, he came out and asked me point blank if I was going to change his name. I told him that was entirely up to him as to wether he took my last name or kept his own. I heard nothing more on the subject until the other night. We were playing Playstation and he got a high score and was asked to enter his initials. To my surprise, he ented the letter for my last name instead of his. After he was done, he looked at me and said "Might as well start getting used to my new name now" with a smile. I didn't make a big deal of it, but I think he's made a decision.

[kay]

Mike, that's really heartwarming. Congratulations on your new son.

[DeedyDavis]

Happy tears for you both