Thanks everyone. My younger brother has seriously mental health issues. He and his girlfriend had this beautiful little man. My brother did most of his caretaking with my mother and I watching closely. At the end of September, 2004, he came to me happy and healthy...just before his second birthday, and well when his parents split up and his father went in the hospital and his mother went on the streets. I left my career and became a stay at home mom again, at 40.

I'd kept him part time since he was just 5 days old. He's never doubted love. He's always managed to have good nurturing. When he came to me, he was VERY dependent on me. It was an adjustment for the little thing. Some would say he was "spoiled for mom". I don't. I say it was something he needed to bond and feel secure.

They got back together and maintained, but the baby stayed with me fulltime for over a year.

This little man had bonded with especially his daddy, he needed them in his life. We started short periods of them getting him, and for about 4 months now they've gotten him for 3 day/3 nights per week.

My brother just spoke with me about school. He know the troubles they've had with his sister in school, etc., and I told him that obviously I would want him here for school. He agreed.

They're just not doing as well right now. I can see things escalating. They're not wanting to pick him up when they should on Sundays as well. I think my brother knows that he's coming back here, and if he does it will be legal. He's so precious and so smart. That needs to be nurtured.

Thanks so much for your support.

KD

OUR LITTLE MAN: