We got a call today that a family of 6 had no groceries. The woman went on to say that her daughter and husband were living with them and the husband was unable to find work. "No problem", I told them. "Come on over and pick up a food box from the church we network with."
When the mom and daughter came in, the daughter and I chatted a few minutes while mom filled out the paperwork and carried the food box to the car. The daughter and I talked about housekeeping, husbands - you know, the usual old, married woman stuff. Except, this wasn't usual. She's 17.
The conversation turned toward the clothing closet.
Not only was the family short on groceries but the daughter needed clothes! "By the way," the mom intervened "do you have any baby things?" They were excited when the daughter was able to pick out a few things for herself and get a couple of things for the baby.
While they were "shopping" we were able to talk some more. This time we discussed the importantance of finishing high school and going on to college. Carol and I tried to encourage her. I told her the best gift she could give an unborn baby is an educated mom. She seemed to listen. Both mom and daughter said they would visit us again.
Before they left, I told them we had another item they could have. The ladies with the Linus Project generously donate blankets we give to our clients. While the baby is technically not in crisis, I wanted to give them something that would last longer than the maternity and baby clothes - a lasting, physical reminder of the encouragement she got today.
She had a hard time choosing a blanket. The Linus Project does a very good job! The perfect one was on the bottom of the stack. I told her if she took it she had to make a promise to us to finish high school. She said she would.
When she left our office today she proudly carried the blanket. It's a snuggly warm, soft fleece in green and white - the colors of her high school.
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