[Original Mike]

Ok, just when you all are sick and tired of the bad soap opera that is my household, we take ANOTHER turn. B ran away this afternoon.

He got up this morning and was actually in an OK mood (not even any noticeable hang-over). Well, he asked if he could go for a bike ride and I told him he wasn't going anywhere this weekend. Then, he said he was going to see how the chimney was coming (we're having our bricks replaced in the old chimney).

Well, after a bit i realized that I hadn't seen him, so I went outside. He and his bike were both gone. That was about noon. I spoke to our agency and the on-call said to give him until 2pm and then call the police and report him missing. Well, he didn't show so I made a report. As he's on probation, they're instructed to take him right to detention when he's caught.

I just want to bang my head against a wall. had he not run, we might have been able to get him into an intensive rehab program. With him now a "flight risk", I guarantee that his PO is going to lock him up since all of this stuff is major probation violations and his PO is no-nonsense.

I like the idea of Indy and I running away to "single Dad Paradise", kinda like Thelma and Louise. Then I remember that Indy and I CAN'T be Thelma and Louise since he's not six feet tall and my boobs don't sag below my belt. (Sorry, just trying to keep myself sane here!!)

[Indy]

I am so sorry B made this choice. It will be hard on him and you.

You are in our prayers.

PS - As far as us running away, I have already! I cannot do it again for 9 more years, according to my mother. Remember what happened the last time I ran away and mother was watching the boys. I think they scared her away.

[RavenSong]

Oh, Mike, I am so sorry that B ran away. I kind of saw this coming last night when I read your post about how you had caught him drinking and that his P.O. had told him previously he would be sent to lock-up for such an offense. He probably thought running away was the only way of staying out of juvenile detention. (I'm speaking here as a former chronic runaway and foster kid from a very long time ago.)

I've always wanted to tell you that I think you are a fantastic dad. I often read your threads, and I can tell that you love your boys so very much. I'm just so sorry everything seems to have exploded this past week. It does seem that when it rains, it pours. Please know in your heart that your sons do love and respect you. They may not be able to tell you that now...but I bet they will one day when they're a lot older. Foster kids eventually grow up, and many of them become deeply grateful for their foster parents. You are a great father...don't beat yourself up!

[Sissy22]

Ugh i just had a runaway foster teen last weekend= not fun sorry you have to go through this hang in there!

[kay]

Aww, Mike, I'm so sorry! My impulse is to invite you to L.A. and we can run away to Disneyland - but it's definitely the wrong time of year for that (in the 100's already this weekend!) I do live right next door to a Mexican restaurant, though - we could be hip-deep in margaritas!!! I'm only joking because I don't know any logical and helpful way to take away your pain. Yes, it will get better, and yes, you will get through this, and yes, you're a terrific dad - and yes, none of that matters in the least right now. Hugs to you, and prayers for you, my friend.

[SAHmom]

Hugs & prayers sent your way!

[waited2long]

I'm sorry, I hope he is found safe and sound, and soon.

[shelly b]

I'm really sorry for you and B! You know the saying hind sight is 20/20 and bless his heart he'll wish he had made other choices, but we can hope he'll learn from all of this as he makes choices in the future!

[mrsred]

Your signature says: "I can't really pinpoint the moment that I lost my faith. It was just that God never listened so I just stopped talking." Dogma by Kevin Smith

If you've stopped talking, do you mind if I ask God to cut you a break?

[skirbo]

Any word on B? Did he come back or get found?

Sarah

[waited2long]

Ditto on Skirbo's post...

Any news?

[Original Mike]

Still no word on B. unfortunately, its now out of our worker's and my hands and the juvenile probation department will decide what happens to him now.

It really is a waste. This was was so bright and has so much potential, but now I'm not sure where he'll end up.

mike

[waited2long]

I hope he is okay and is found soon. You must be pretty worried.