Unsticking the brains & letting oxygen into them might help me sometimes.
A clarification is needed on the family reunion entry entered on Monday regarding my ex-girlfriend's son, Johnny. It's true that his grades were great this past year. But it took an explanation from my friend as to what ROTC really meant, and my thought of sharing in his achievements can now be struck from the record.
Pardon my ability to be naive, but I actually did think ROTC was a honor. I had no idea ROTC was for troubled youth. In Johnny's case, considering his rough past, this was probably a move that had to be made.
Without burdening with details, Johnny & his brother Richie have not been raised well. They had no real contact with their father, and the times that there was contact were very shady. You never had an idea exactly what he was hoping to do or say.
I lived with Tami for sixteen months in 2001-02. My third week there, his child support checks stopped coming in, and for the remaining 15 months, not one was seen. This girl was a job-hopper. I was only there since I didn't have the basis necessary for independent survival.
These kids were rambunctious to a high degree. They involved us in situations I wouldn't even touch now. This ended up being a savage neighborhood, if not crime-ridden. Kids had come a long away from the supposed fights in my day: these kids were really out to hurt each other & take out what was left on the parents or guardians.
Without a civil attitude to stand on, you can imagine school grades were secondary, and were met with indifference by the mother. I attempted to straighten them out, and my ex gave me leeway, but no support. That kind of attitude can be very hollow. Long story short, at least Johnny gave an effort & brought back better grades. Richie was too far gone, however, and I feel he'll be a blotter headliner for the rest of his life.
Now why my cousin Sharon actually commented on Johnny's ROTC membership as high praise baffles me. Perhaps it was her way of saying that she's glad he finally got the help & structure he needed. Instead of being happy as I thought I was on Monday, I shake my head on Wednesday. It wasn't a move not to be expected, but still I wonder how a situation like that can continue to grow unchecked, day by day, as they get older & move into a higher-risk category.
I'll still take credit for the academic achievements. As for anything else, I'll just quote Maury Povich every other show:
"You are not the father!"
