It is difficult to understand or to believe. Branden has moved into his regular cottage now. There are 25 other boys in there. He has his own room as do the others. He is still very content and calm. He actually seems happy. I am happy that he is settling in and going along with the program. It will make the next few months easier for him.

Billy spent last night with his father. The one that had fallen off the face of the earth for the last 2 and 1/2 years! I am hoping it will work out good for Billy. He needs that connection and I am praying That it will help turn him back around. You can help too.

We received a letter from the High School on Saturday. I am perturbed!!! And that is putting it mildly!! They are scolding us for all the "UNX" that is Unexcused absences on his attendance. Well excuse me!! We put him on his bus and he arrives at school everyday. IF THEY can not keep the students under control, that is not my problem. I am doing everything I can on this end to keep Billy in class, it is time they do their job. First, Get rid of the smoking trails around the school. Second stop the students from leaving school in LARGE groups to go off campus. Yes, I am angry!!! I intend to raise a bit of and over this one!!!

Pray for me. I am going to need it.
Granny

Life is sure different. My 40 year old son, Ray, has been visiting since last Thursday. It has turned out to be a good thing for all of us.

He has connected with Billy and the two of them have really been doing some good talking. I just hope that Billy can get some good from their talks. Ray threatened to take him down a peg or two tonight for using language that I totally disapprove of anytime. Ray blasted him for being disrespectful. YAHOO!!! Billy seems to be listening. Being that Ray is younger than we are, just could have a bearing.

Then, Billy's father called. Total shock! It has only been two and a half years, What is the hurry. Anyway Billy is happy and is going to spend some time with him on Saturday. I just pray good come from this too.

Keep a good thought for us all,
Granny

I am not sure what is going on, but Branden is so calm and relaxed lately. The wild flighty person seems to be not there anymore. This is a good thing. For the last two visits he has been almost a different person.

We make a point of going to visit every weekend, either on Saturday or Sunday. We prefer Saturday because we get home earlier and can get something done. He prefers Sunday so he can sleep in. So sorry Charlie!!! He can get up and be happy to see us. But I am happy he is settling in and not fighting the system.

I call him every other day also. We have been able to talk for an average of half an hour. I was told that the calls are supposed to be about 10 minutes, but IF they are a good contact with family they get to visit longer. Family involvement is considered very important. But for me, it is just good to hear about his day, or what he is thinking , or just feel connected.

Tonight he was very excited. You see he is a reader. He has been reading a LOT. They have the AR program there. (accelerated readers) Well he has already read enough to have gained a credit. He was awarded a new dictionary of his own. I think he is very proud. I know I am. At least if he is reading and concentrating on school work, he would be getting in trouble.

Well, that is the news for today. I think I will hit the shower and off to bed. Needless to say today was a good day.

Granny

It seems strange to be home on a Friday. I got to spend some time with my husband. Wow, what happened. We went to Safeway and WalMart alone. Billy stayed home and cleaned his room. Almost. I still can not vacuume his floor, but it is getting closer.

I need to call Branden here shortly. I have been calling every other day. Terri gets the other days. That way he gets a call everyday.

So I am enjoying this day of rest, and now I can go cook dinner. I guess I should be nice, we went out last night, No dishes....

Bye for now,
Granny

I think I might just be in trouble. I didn't call Terri when all Hell broke out for Branden. You know the thought of calling anyone never crossed my mind. NO,not true.. I wanted to call right back down there. But I knew that would be a waste of time since I knew they were very busy. So I waited.

Yes, when that call finally came I was very relieved. I had been scared silly!! All I could think about was Branden, and to pray for his safety.

Now, I hear from Branden that his Mom is very mad
at me because I didn't call her. All that would have accomplished was to have both of us in a panic. To be honest, I handle panic better that some one else we all know....

So, I guess I will stay in trouble for a while. But, I have been there before and probably will be there again.

Night all,
Granny