and it really sucks learning that lesson when you are 18 and an entire world of potential is in front of you.
And I am at a loss for how to help.
You see I have this kid, and he is MY KID. Not by relation, but he is mine. And I am so proud of him and all that he has done. But now life has just slapped him in the face. Hard. And I so much want to make it right for him, so he can have at least a few years to continue building his confidence and finding his path. But this puts all of that at risk.
My Kid has worked harder than anyone I know to turn his life around and get accepted at a major university in Texas. But he has no "papers". Our counselors let him down, and due to a missed dead line he is not guaranteed Texas FAFSA. Private loans with co-signers are possible, his uncle agreed, but his father says no. He has some scholarships (the ones he could legally apply for) but they won't cover costs. He can even defer payment for a month, but the person who has ultimate say just told him No.
While tonight should be his first night at college, leading him to medical school and oncology, instead he is at home. Hurt, and angry, disappointed and no clue how to reach his dreams.
My heart is broken.
So what do I do? I can listen. I can give advise and tell him stories of rivers that weave around, finding ways to cut through hard terrain. But I cannot take his hurt away. And I cannot undue the mark of cynicism that this has caused. Nor can I close the rift between him and his family.
I guess I just have to trust My Kid, and the strength that I know he has.
