Taking in two 18-year olds isn't something I wasn't used to a few years back.

Our daughter moved less than an hour away from us to begin life on her own a couple years ago. I've been so very proud of her through her struggles to be free of the ugly stuff that happened in her life with her biological parents. I'm extremely proud now to tell you that she is presently in school working on an associates' degree; and she plans to major in nursing. She will be an excellent nurse! My heart swells with love and admiration for this beautiful girl. I keep a tear of joy in my eye most all the time.

My baby cousin.....totally different story. She's a sweet kid on the one hand, and on the other... well, she's a bit sneaky; and very much ungrateful for the help Sam and I offered her. She came to us pregnant and with no plans for her life and no idea or concern of the stress she was causing her maternal grandparents with all this. Long story....but I ended up keeping both my cousin and her boyfriend here for three months. I asked them to leave our happy home last Wednesday and she is now in North Carolina in the comfort of her grandfather's home. Good luck to papa....I've done all I can. Once a person does something to lose my trust in them, that's the end of it. There was no way I could continue the project of fostering two young adults while attempting to guide them into their adulthood, after losing trust in them.

Eighteen years old and pregnant? What the hell was I thinking? The writing was on the wall...I couldn't have been reading well that day.

I've missed it here, and I have lots of catching up to do with you all. In the meantime, my work is good. My life with Sam is good, and we are so blessed. Just trying to make each day better now. It's very difficult for me sometimes...dealing with my mental health condition. I work very hard...and it's still very difficult. I've learned so much though. And I know I'm worth the work to push forward. There is no alternative.

Peace out!