yeah, he is a good kid and a lot has fallen on him that shouldn't. we are below the poverty line and plus steve is no longer physically able to do things, so when things go wrong, benjamin normally takes care of it. either steve talks him through it, or he just figures it out, or if push comes to shove benjamin has the connections now to get someone to help for little or no cost (all the farmers and their families in the area).
and yes, benjamin does try to always argue his way out of it. he keeps on and on and on trying to find excuses. i try not to let him get away with that. i guess i probably spend too much time telling him why his excuses don't fly.
all the stress we're under just doesn't help any. we're all under strain.
even though he's grounded, the kids had already planned to go away for the weekend. i went ahead and let benjamin go--i think he needs it. it's a get together with a bunch of kids from church camp. hopefully he'll come back feeling a little bit better.
april
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April Love - Author
"Gift of the Morning"
"Secrets of a City Bench"