Sunday, October 20, 2024

 Sunday, October 20, 2024

    I left for church early. I thought I would have time to read the bulletin and pray before Mass started. Instead, I ran into the mother of third-grade CH. They spoke about hiring me several months ago. I met with the boy and his parents twice. Then I heard nothing from them. I had no contact with them, even when they attended the same Mass I did. I thought they decided not to hire me. Then, the mother finally spoke to me.  they had guests arriving, one after another.  They would contact me when they all left.

    It’s been a while since that conversation. Today, she told me that two of her children had a broken limb after participating in a martial arts competition in Las Vegas.  Also, their house was flooded.  We had a heavy rain about a month ago.  Darby said we had seven inches of rain in one downpour.  Videos showed water cascading over rock walls. Judy said all storms are worse in the area where this family lives.  While the family wanted to enroll their son in a Christian school, they decided their best option was to enroll him in their local public school.  He won’t get good educational support but will have social contact with children his age.  He’s just going into third grade. It would be a while before he has to deal with the response of his peers to his learning difficulties.

   I had two Zoom sessions scheduled today. Both were canceled. I forgot all about fourth-grade MH this weekend. I usually text the parents, asking when they want to schedule it. Fourth-grade LG  didn’t show up. I called and texted his mom over and over. I got no response. I finally texted the mother, hoping everything was okay.  Later in the day,  she texted me that her husband had a mental breakdown and was seeking medical attention.  I was concerned for the boy.  It’s hard enough for a child to deal with the physical breakdown of a parent. A mental breakdown is scarier for adults, no less a child.

   It looks like I didn’t have an appointment with fourth-grade MH today. I’m the one who missed it. I usually text the parents to ask when we’ll meet on Sunday, but I forgot to do it today. Wow! This is a first.