I woke up before the alarm went off this morning, 5:45am. What is unusual about that is I rarely set the alarm, but today is a big day. I complete my routine and out the door to the parole office. NO, I DON’T HAVE TO REPORT. That in itself is a miracle. I meet the superintendent and a case manager from my job and off we go to New Waverly and Gulf Coast Trades School. 207 miles one way with 3 menopausal women. One of us constantly having a hot flash.
The purpose of this trip is to train Parole officers from all over the state of Texas. Can you believe that? ME???? Training someone on a specific job skill???? Well, this specific area of training had to do with the importance of our kids continuing with AA/NA after their release. OK, so I know a lot about that. We were there for about 3 hours.
The real fun part of the trip though, was getting to see 3 of our boys that are now enrolled in the trade schools there. One in automotive, one in culinary arts, one in building trades. OMG they have turned into men. They not only talked about what they have learned but how they are trying to help out other kids who are acting stupid. The staff there talked about how smart and great our kids are, how they never have a problem with them. So we were like three proud Mommas – all taking credit for what God alone did. 😀
Back home, my cell phone rings…..Another one of our recently released kids. Having a few problems dealing with his baby’s maternal grandparents. But I’m OK Miss, as long as I can be with my daughter. I inquire about his job, his mom. He is a gifted artist….I tell him we’re sending him some art supplies. His family is extremely poor. Oh thank you Miss. Geeze, I love that kid. Be sure to call Lonnie, Ruben. Ok Miss, calling him right now…….
I don’t know what I did to deserve the gift of all these children…. No, it has nothing to do with deserving – it has to do with grace….an unearned gift.