My day in court ............

I have not been around much these past few months.....I Kinda stepped back in around the 4 th of July to say hello to a few friends here, but have seen some of the reasons why i left the board .....It seems the board title has changed yet alot of the same problems have followed to this new board...Its a shame.....For me these past few months have been hetic with my son....personal stuff........and my job...I found out yesterday my cousin was rock climbing in Maine and fell from his ropes he is now in critical condition . His life is hanging on moment to moment....His wife and three children a complete wreck............ as i try to find words of encouragement to give them at this desperate time.........My job as a social worker, and spending so much time in court these days seems very unsucessful...........So many children being violated, and at times i feel .........is what i do really matter...? I keep fighting the fight..........never gonna give up...sometimes i just get tired.....Just wanted to check in with ya all and let ya know iam ok....just think i need a little vacation....any offers for me to come visit........ Hugggggggggs Darlene

I just posted to you on a different thread.. I'm sorry your life is so hectic right now.. it appears mine is also. I know that I just have to keep going forward.. taking one step at a time.. doing the right thing.. and before I know it.. I will reach a destination... just had a thought that I'm not sure what that destination is yet tho.. now that right there is funny but.. I guess who wants a life where all things is planned out.. wouldn't that be boring altho a little peace of mind would be nice too. You have a very stressful life... raising a son alone.. helping kids in dire situations.. I know you must feel in your heart that you are doing a good thing. BUT.. it does help to hear it once in awhile.. we all love to be phrased and hear that what we do or say does matter.. and what you are doing does. Thank YOU for taking YOUR time to help the kids. Your cousin and family will be in my prayers.. and yes.. a cruise on a ship by myself.. working on my innerself.. sounds lovely right now

My sweet Friend Darlene, I am sorry to hear about your cousin, and I know you are having a hectic life at home with your son, and hectic time at work. You know you are always welcomed here. I know all the shopping haunts, in Memphis, Little Rock & St. Louis

What you do does matter...just think about all the children you have been able to help because you do what you do. I love kids too, but for the same reason that I couldn't work at an animal shelter, I couldn't do what you do either. It's something I would bring it home with me everyday. I know when I begin teaching I am going to see some situtations similar to what you do and it breaks my heart to think about it. So on behalf of all of us who love kids, thank you. I know you didn't post to get a pat on the back, but you deserve one and all the folks who work to protect the innocent. Thank you. I appreciate what you do.

I am so sorry about your cousin. Apparently he was a pretty strong person to be rock climbing, so he'll probably be a fighter and get back in stable condition, hopefully, soon. You've been missed. And as one state employee to another, sometimes we feel what we do is not appreciated, but that one life we DO touch is worth rarely hearing thank you. Keep strong. Liz

Hi Darlene! Sorry about all the drama, it did get crazy around here the past couple of days but before that it was awesome, it seemed we had left all the garbage behind (or more like all the garbage chased us away) but someone from the old board kept saying we seem happy here and i guess he wasn't having that. I suspect it will now get back to being more normal. I am really sorry about your cuz, and am hoping and wishing for his full recovery. I'm sure you've helped and will help many children so please don't let it beat you down when the system makes it harder and harder for you to do your work. It's a blessing that there's someone out there (you) who's willing to fight for these kids. I'm sure you're a hero to many.

very well said i would like normal and peace last night was way too late

welcome back my friend....you have been missed...i have been hit and miss here but there has been some drama...i won't let them chase us away though...they tried on their "singles" board i am sooooooooooooooooooo sorry about your cousin....you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers....please keep us posted...hope things brighten up with you and your son too...hang in there honey AND, yes you do make a huge difference and have an incredibly hard job......it is people like you that make a positive change for many unfortunate situations..... you are ALWAYS welcome to HOTLANTA

Thanks to everyone for the well wishes on my family and to those who sent personal messages as well...............i so appreciate it..... please i was not complaining about my job its just some times i get tired..........and the fight seems endless..thanks to everyone for all your support............Darlene

we love you dar