TIMMY'S A PROBLEM, MOM

January 22, 2023

Dear Mom,

Sorry we haven't really chatted since Christmas. I have some difficult news.

It's about Timmy. He's been a real problem, Mom. He's a good kid, but quite honestly he's an unfair burden at this time in our lives. Ted and I have talked this through and finally made a choice. Plenty of other families have made it and are much better off.

Our pastor is supportive and says sometimes hard decisions are necessary. He told us to be prayerful, consider all the factors, and do what is right to make the family work.

He said that even though he probably wouldn't do it himself, the decision really is ours. He was kind though to refer us to a children's clinic near here, so at least that part's easy.

I'm not an uncaring mother. I do feel sorry for the little guy. I think he overheard Ted and me talking about "it" the other night. I turned around and saw him standing at the bottom step in his pj's with the little bear you gave him under his arm and his eyes sort of welling up.

Mom, the way he looked at me just about broke my heart. I honestly believe this is better for Timmy, too. It's not fair to force him to live in a family that can't give him the time and attention he deserves.

And please don't give me the kind of grief Grandma gave you over your abortions. It's the same thing, you know.