That we have been indoctrinated by five decades of expecting something-for-nothing is the reason many children and grandchildren have been enabled by their parents and or caretakers. There are a few areas of my current life that this condition is critical right this minute.
A year and a quarter ago, my wife and I took on the responsibility for caring for our eighteen year old grandson. We had an apartment set-up as a guest area, and it didn't seem that we would be involved in a great deal of expense to take care of him. It turns out that there are several key issues in the lads life which were hidden from us which involved the police, a charge of "obstructing justice of an officer" that carries a misdemeanor penalty. A violation of parole led to an arrest and a large fine. Ouch!
Next came studying for the GED, nine months, and looking for a job, and getting his drivers license. These things finally got accomplished, and one huge plus, is that he decided to join the Catholic faith, completely of his own volition and has been faithful to this commitment to this day. The piece of the puzzle that is missing is that throughout all of this time he has supposed to have been looking for employment. It hasn't happened.
Now that we have given him a deadline, and an "or else," ultimatum he has made a tiny effort towards finding work, any work. But, the real problem is that he is comfortable doing nothing. More tomorrow about enabling.
No comments:
Post a Comment