Heart wrenching day

Whew Canadian border VT ... what a wonderful thing you are doing. So much good can come out of such a bad situation. Everyone has already said it... you're quite a guy. You mentioned that you'd like "hints on best way to give right life lessons to my daughter would be great thanks.." ... after reading your story, I honestly don't think you're gonna have the slightest problem coming up with ideas for your daughter. She's a very lucky little girl to have a Dad like you.

 

What a great story! Your daughter will learn some good lessons. You sir are a outstanding person.

 

OK guys don't get wrong impression of me now, I'm no saint! I have fractured occasional law, got a temper just trying to be a better man. Some days it's very trying!!

I'm just trying to put my beliefs into action, that's harder than you think. Well you all know that.

As for my Liz (daughter) it's very easy in an affluent town to try to keep up with Jones especially at 10. Just so it's clear, we are not poor but in this area are definitely below the median. But bought current house out of foreclosure "as is " because of best school and location etc., been putting blood sweat and a few mumbled profanities in it ever since. But it's a nice 4 bedroom. with 1 child.. one of her choices is which room am I sleeping in etc. And like all kids she sometimes gets self centered so it's good for her to see, learn and appreciate why we work to give her more and still have compassion for plight of others. I guess it's the balance thing.

This is hard for me because I grew up in city 20 miles away with 6 siblings in 3 bedroom. Choice of bedroom, heck didn't get my own until I built it on front enclosed porch at 15 then it didn't have heat. I want her to learn to adapt and overcome challenges but that is hard because my job to protect her from those... I guess all parents deal with this. that's why included her in it.

 

This says it better than I could, Kudos to you sir.

If communication is the issue, does the town offer free Internet / WiFi access through the Town Hall or Library? That would empower the mother to keep in touch with you, and the advocate.

Unfortunately, most folks @ work are unaware of TTY service, and if available, wouldn't know how to use it.

* There are dedicated Relay services setup for phone communication, here is a link that may help:

vermont-relay

A call to the local phone company would be a good idea, to see what is involved to ensure basic phone, internet, and relay services can be provided.

From what you describe, it sounds like the advocate needs to step up & be involved a lot more, in the immediate term.

* That advocate needs to be checking w/ mom and helping to make sure the daughter's lunches at school are being provided, and other basic assistance is setup - from what you wrote it doesn't sound like this is the case, that is a real concern.

Your daughter sees your family's selfless act and want to contribute, she is aware her riding lessons are based on her performance in school and home - if you allow her to gift a riding lesson, and the girl enjoys the lesson & wants to continue, I think your idea of your daughter learning sign language is a great idea.

But I think getting the two of them together as friends beforehand is an excellent idea.

Blessings to you and your family for helping this family in their time of need.

 

yeah, she has internet, and IPad, but the school wants kids to use it for school. Children's homework is posted on a website. Ipad it's her communication she hangs on to it! of course 3 year old wants it for games and 10 year old for school work. The school is good they get lunches and breakfasts for free. Trying to get school to make an exception as 7 & 8 graders get school iPad for year and her girl is in 5th meet with principal in couple of hours. I expect he will do so if not they will get an early thanksgiving present

The advocate called me because they were stable and when father left situation became unstable. Trying to get stable again before snow. yesterday turned on heat and stove for 2 weeks to give time to get assistance for future. Heat assistance doesn't start til Nov. 10th

Ensured cables/internet good because needs to at house as at least 5 miles to library and no car. Now to deal with washing machine and garbage removal...

Advocates stance is she needs to move to city to have easier access to services. Her stance I stay here better school. I graduated from city they want to put her in 25 years ago. Mom is right..

Oh please do not think I am doing this alone. the club is backing me and my friends are chipping in with trucks also!

 

Thank you. C.B.V. !For reminding me to try to do more good to offset the bad in this world. You are a VERY GOOD man. Thank you!

 

It takes a whole village to raise a child.

Not comparing this woman to a child by any means, but it shows how good a strong community/support system can be.

 

Unfortunately not, too far into country. Which is why they want her to move. I will step in short term and really good people and churches in town with a lot of elderly that enjoy giving back. Just coordinating all parties is time consuming.

She (the mom) is right about the kids getting better education here. Why I bought house here.. It is just refreshing to see with all her challenges she is putting her children first!

 

Where theirs a will theirs a way.

 

Yeah working with that one.. Easy to teach hard to practice.. Run a small business on side and with tenants cash flow is never consistent. but trying to teach her about consistency. Hard to teach what don't always practice While retirement funds are secure. The vacation fund or daddy new/used half ton fund are often raided. But that's ok because the life lessons will last longer than a truck anyway.. If she runs with plan and learns sign language .... I just offered there is another 125 a month.

 

Yeah I am afraid of that. These 2 might do it faster than me with my hands both are motivated.. Then they can talk in school without getting in trouble.. Really!!!
ohh well off to chat with principal

 

Canadian border VT, you are a great man! We have all had our challenges at being "good", but you are going the extra mile for sure! A sincere thank you for a humble moment for me. Your choices and hard work will make sure you have a great grown up daughter. Sounds like she is well on her way!!

 

Oh what a crappy day I've had. At least it felt that way until I read your post. Amazing. Sad to hear about this family. I can't help but think that there are many many more families like this. Recently I've come into contact with some of the local Lions club reps. It's something that I'd like to do at some point.

Good on you mate.

 

Ok, quick update school is on board daughter get IPad for home use. Principal " ohh, of course I should have thought of that Thanks for bringing to my attention " Be done by tomorrow..

Government agencies well more red tape.. program x, she fits income but not usage... program Y same thing... oh Well we will go around them. Just drive me they charge me 1.50 a month for this program to increase efficiency and and since her electric use is too low they can't help... but she on budget and struggles to keep bill down how stupid..

 

Thank You sir.....may God shine his favor on you brother.

 

I'd be penning a "to the editor" article highlighting the inefficiencies of government assistance.

This story is getting me upset from reading on a screen.

I'll say it again, good on ya.