When Heart and Mind Don’t Align

(another one on outcomes of addiction)

Marie gave an assurance
as she invited me
to press my hand on her
baby bump to feel her
unborn kick

that the fluttering movements
inside her warmth
meant everything in the
world to her

so I gifted a crib
my youngest grandson’s first bed
a fond momento
crafted and carved in oak
even though i doubted
her sincerity

unemployed and skint
living on benefits
no family
surfing on sofas

i wanted to be wrong
i so wanted to be wrong
because my gut instincts
had her placed on a pathway
to oblivion

my sixth sense
kicked in and the doubt grew
like a piece of knitting on
oversized and disappointed
needles

she messaged me
a couple of months down the
line to say she had given birth
her daughter had been taken
into foster care
because ………………..

my heart sank
my brain remained on an even keel
and I swear I saw it wagging
a pointed finger in my
direction

telling me
i told you so
i told you so

……………….

Reviews

[Fabian G. Franklin]

It's probably better for the child. Perhaps they can find the babe a loving home with wonderful parents to care for it and raise it up to become a responsible and contributing member of society. I feel worse for the ones that aren't taken away soon enough and become neglected pawns of a self-perpetuating cycle. My niece lost both her twins because of such. But her brother and his girlfriend (they are more like husband and wife) took the children and are raising them as their own. They are now about 17. They have a good home with some semblance of normality and structure. But it was sad to see their mother at our family Christmas party maybe waiting to see if her daughters might appear. They didn't. Her son, age 10 is in the custody of his father and came with my sister, his grandmother. So she did get to see him for a few minutes. But I think I understand why her brother chose not to attend. I'd have liked to have seen him though and told him how pleased with him I am for stepping up to raise his nieces.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Fabian. The child has to come first. We raised my daughter’s three children. It was essential to us they stayed within the family environment. It has worked out very well although hard work for my husband and I. The rewards are immense. Your share reminds me common this situation is and also how sad it can be. I so appreciate your visit.

Chris

[Fabian G. Franklin]

It's a social problem far too common. The cost of addiction isn't borne by the addict alone but by everyone in their lives and society as a whole. That's the saddest part; those suffering from addiction who aren't even addicts. Because they never had a choice. Children lose parents, parents lose children and the cycle of destruction just tumbles on like dominoes.

[willweb]

It is a sad reality of the world the way it is and has been for a while. Life to some is not that precious thing anymore, drugs have taken the place of everything that used to be important. Very sad Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

So common. Such a very sad state of affairs and pity the children. Thanks will for your review.
read moreSo common. Such a very sad state of affairs and pity the children. Thanks will for your review.

Chris

[Soren]

Sad but unfortunatly common. We give so little focus on responsibility in prevention or care. Our world has become egocentric, families broken, children uncared for, neighbors that we don't know, friends, only on the internet. Relationships that don't last. A sad commentary for technological progress that puts us into space and pretends to cure all diseases. I could feel the uncertainty, sadness and hurt.

[Chris Shaw]

I appreciate you sharing your thoughts here Soren. Many thank yous for stopping by.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris … my heart aches… when the Mother cannot keep her Baby. We have so many Immigrants… is our Government passing out knowledge of Birth Control? … My mind cannot encompass so much Tragedy. We are unprepared for Tomorrow. tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Pat. It is a sad state of affairs. I pity the poor children in these dreadful situations. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris… have you read the Biography of Pearl Buck and how She Created an Orphanage for Children in China… many Moons ago. We need something very Similar… gently, Pat

[AYVID N]

I would have loved a different ending Chris, but my heart was also sinking reading along your words.
We can always sense when something is amiss. Yet we so want to trust, believe in the goodness of people. Your words have once again reflected your kind and caring nature. One that we are all so familiar with here. I think, regardless of the outcome, you did the right thing and you will be blessed for it. Thanks for sharing.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you DIVYA. Sadly the ending was one I had a hunch about. I so wish I could have been wrong. I am sad for that child but also for the mother who couldn’t conquer her addictions. So pleased you shared your thoughts.

Chris

[AYVID N]

It is always such a pleasure. Good morning dear Chris. Wishing you a lovely sunrise. 🌞

[Sami Khalil]

Like a tug of war between the heart and mind, between belief and doubt. At least you did the right thing. You had hunches. I hope it all works out for both.

[Chris Shaw]

Such a sad situation Sami. I so wanted her to prove me wrong. Many thank you for stopping by.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! My condolences then. You are welcome.