Earlier this afternoon, I received a call from my mother informing me that my first born son, Corey, has been kicked out of school for sexually harassing a teacher. Let me repeat that for you just in case you misunderstood me...SEXUALLY HARASSING A TEACHER!
Now, many of my readers may be reading this and thinking, "Damn, what kind of home was he raised in?", or "Goodness, maybe he was sexually abused as a child". No, no, no. I submit to you that my son may have been raised in a single parent home by his African American mother, but I have always worked to ensure that both my boys had the very best that I could possibly give them. I've done everything I know to do to provide the best possible nurturing and loving home environment possible for my children despite the challenges I've had in their lifetime.
Corey is 18 years old and has had more than his share of challenges in and out of school, namely because of the choices he's made over the years. He was retained in the 3rd grade, which wasn't his fault, however, every retention after that has been the result of one bad choice after another on his part. By all accounts, he should be getting ready to graduate, but no, he's an 18 year old black male in the 10th grade because his priorities have been on being the cool guy instead of pursuing his education.
He has done countless foolish things and I just don't have an explanation for his actions. He's had mentors, counselors, positive male role models, lots of encouragement, and STILL nothing seems to be working on him. I've always tried to save Corey from himself. I arranged for him and his brother to go on a tour of the prison in an effort to show them the possible alternatives if they don't choose their education. And now, NOW my son decided that he's the "teenage heartthrob" and sexually harass a teacher at his current high school.
I've told him that the older he gets the less accountable I become and that his decisions are going to really start affecting him more than they affect me. I love my child and don't want to see him in prison or dead, but I can't want that more than he wants it. My desires mean nothing to anybody but me...and only the Lord can save him now.
Your comments are well noted. We as indivduals have a free chance to go to school from grades K thru 12. Often times we don't take that opition. We hang out and quote unquote "do you". Bad choice. Then maybe 5 or 10 years later we decide to go back to school. You have lost ten years. Years where you could have prospered and been financialy stable or on your way. Choosing to hang out and maybe end of as a product of the state is stupid. When do you say to yourself it's time for me to wake up and smell the coffee.
ReplyDelete