Today I heard a woman talk about how her in-laws told her if she was going to stay at their house she was going to have to get rid of her dogs. I was actually trying not to eavesdrop, but I was in a small room and there was no avoiding listening because I was one of ten in a captive audience. Anyway, she was cussing up a storm about how awful they were. I was silently thinking that just because they're helping this woman out doesn't mean they have to be perfect, but I'd never say that to a stranger because... well... she might be a nut.
Anyway, she said her solution was to move to another state for 6 months. At this point I was glad for her. But, then... she admitted she left her children with the in-laws (and I presumed husband) because "my pets are that important to me". I still at least figured they were with their father. But then she said the husband's meeting with probation officer didn't go so well and he was freaking out at the chance he may be returning to jail. It became clear after that she was living with the in-laws when he was in jail.
Sad to think those kids are getting the same message. Not really a pleasant topic, but pretty much what's on my mind. I was thinking this is the kind of stuff that I can't adapt for fiction ... too unbelievable.
Anyway, she said her solution was to move to another state for 6 months. At this point I was glad for her. But, then... she admitted she left her children with the in-laws (and I presumed husband) because "my pets are that important to me". I still at least figured they were with their father. But then she said the husband's meeting with probation officer didn't go so well and he was freaking out at the chance he may be returning to jail. It became clear after that she was living with the in-laws when he was in jail.
Sad to think those kids are getting the same message. Not really a pleasant topic, but pretty much what's on my mind. I was thinking this is the kind of stuff that I can't adapt for fiction ... too unbelievable.
Ah... maybe I should say tough to adapt this to romance.
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad that people who should never have kids end up having them, and people who really want kids and would be terrific parents can't have them. Nature needs to be a bit more selective...
ReplyDeleteThat's got to be one of the most pitiful examples of parenting I've heard, outside direct abuse.
ReplyDeleteI think I would have had to walk away. I have a terrible poker face over things like this - one look at me, and the woman would have seen "you're an idiot" written all over my face.
Annalee,
ReplyDeleteI was just going to say something like that. What a story! You can't invent this stuff. Reality is scarier.
Tanya
Some people's priorities need tweaking.
ReplyDeleteSounds like the woman can't handle her reality. Dogs offer unconditional love and are totally clueless. Maybe that's all she can handle.
ReplyDeleteOf course, that is NO excuse. It sounded like an extraordinary situation that some people are not able to deal with -so they run away, from EVERYTHING. Including the kids.
Sad. So Sad.
Definitely not story worth unless it was a tragedy or horror flick.
Sherrill - I've pretty much had that same thought before.
ReplyDeleteOh... update is that now that she is back she found a temp. home for her puppies. That's good.
ReplyDeleteKaren - I've angered a few people making my feelings known. I've seen parents smack their kids and say "we don't hit in this family". I have told people "Think they're going to learn by your example or words?" Needless to say I've never had a positive response.
ReplyDeleteTanya & Leann - absolutely.
ReplyDeleteMichele - It's an interesting idea. I know a woman who uses her dogs as an excuse to "escape" various situations. The old... "I have to go home now and walk my dogs, they've been inside all day." So it's true that people prefer to deal with animals than at least some other people. Giggles.