Surrogate sibling No. 3

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Except for the occasional thunk of free weights from upstairs, Bobby* is so quiet you would hardly know that he's there.  I wonder if he meant for the tattoos inked all over to speak for him instead.  Bobby keeps to himself and doesn't get involved in the girls' shopping and gossiping.  In the morning, he mixes up a protein shake, works on math with Marie and then the three of them, Bobby, DeDe and Marie, plop down on the couch to watch 21 Jump Street for the 50th time in a row.  When asked to share his playlist poolside, he hesitates and tells us that doesn't typically share it for fear that people might not like it.

Post summer break, Bobby will be the only one who will be staying in Houston.  He moved to Texas for a new start and to be close to extended family, who can keep an eye on him.  Bobby has had a disruptive family life, essentially without a mother.  Details are vague but he became involved with the wrong crowd of people at his old college.  In a stilted conversation filled with many breaks and pauses, he explained to me how his frat brothers were not positive influences in his life.  When he graduates, Bobby wants to be a speech therapist and really enjoys working with children.  He'll be looking for an internship when the school year starts so he can get more exposure to teaching as well.

It's easily apparent that, despite the tats and the hard exterior, Bobby is a sensitive young man.  With a little coaxing and support, I really hope that he finds a good niche at school and here in Texas.  There are bad influences everywhere and it's foolish to think that you can outrun them.  But I am confident in the family he has here and that they will set a good example for him.


*Names have been changed.  To prevent embarrassment to others.  Plus they don't know that I'm blogging about them.  Shh!

Comments

  1. I feel for him. A life without a mother can be devastating. I went years without one until we were brought back together. Between that and poor influences, you're whole life can go down hill! Sounds like he's going back on the right track. I wish him all the best!!

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  2. The toughest veneer often covers a sensitive heart. People need connections and when the only connections available are bad influences, it's hard to pull away. Bobby has learned a good lesson the hard way. He has a great goal now and solid support...he can do it!

    I had a terrible commute this evening. The subway was backed-up, but that turned out to be the best part. On the drive home from the subway station my rear axle snapped in the middle. It was hairy.

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  3. Bobby sounds like an intriguing guy. I can totally relate to falling in with the wrong crowd (and probably being a bit of the wrong crowd myself). It's good to hear that he is back on the right track!

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  4. I´ll cross my fingers for him, a sensitive soul is a good start. :-)

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  5. Good luck to Bobby:) He sounds like a cool dude:)

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  6. awww..such a sweet post! Hope you are having a wonderful day!
    -Jyoti
    Style-Delights Blog

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  7. My question is this: Were all three connected before this summer? And have you told us and did I miss how they're connected now? I hope you can keep us posted on Bobby. I'm rooting for him. For all of them, really.

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  8. Here's wishing him all the best!

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  9. Good for him for getting on the right track. Sometimes that can be a difficult journey.

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  10. Speech therapy is a really noble career choice. How did these 3 come into your life? They seem like such interesting people (not fair to call them "kids" I guess)

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  11. Speech therapy? That's awesome!
    Good for him.

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  12. Sounds like he has some positive influences around him now. Hopefully Houston will be the beginning of a new life for him. He sounds like a good kid.

    *Erin

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  13. No matter what has happened, he sounds like is serious about getting on the right track. You go Bobby!

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  14. Go Bobby! I love that he loves working with children. And you totally are a bundle of positive influence for him!

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