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

I was talking to Branden when a fight broke out in his pod tonight. Talk about being scared!!! He was jumped as he was on the phone. That was about 7PM tonight. I had no idea what had happened or how he was.

Then, about 9:45PM the phone ran and it was him. The staff who had witnessed the whole thing had let him call so we would know he was OK. I spoke to her and was able to tell her thank you. Grandpa and I were both on the phone with him. He did not fight back. YEAH!!!!

The staff lady told me that the other boys would most likely be prosecuted for assault. And that since Branden was a victim the detectives would be interviewing him and taking a statement. I was glad to hear that they are very strict about this type of goings on.

At least I know he is OK and well protected. So now at least I should be able to sleep a little tonight.

Good night,
Granny