Long boring meeting, a flurry of repetitive accounts, paperwork, questions, and agendas. One disgruntled young man in the corner, angry that we are taking away his one shot at living in his own apartment. We have spent 18 months patiently holding his hand, explaining why it is time to self direct, self motivate…get involved in his own future.
He isn’t, we aren’t either.
Time is passing, all parties are agitated, there is no decision we can all agree on. I throw down my hand-
“Look, D, if you can not give us a detailed list of how you plan on addressing the issues we are bringing to you, RIGHT NOW, then I will step in, and make a motion to suspend your transition into an apartment, and recommend that out next step be making sure you are set- up to receive SSI benefits next year. “
” I’m gonna do it…. I told you”
“What? Details on getting a job…”
A knock at the door suspends this moment. The door opens, and a pink baby carrier appears, followed by thin dark hands, and a black jacket. Soon, the Ghost and his newborn daughter are encircled by a group of 5. Everyone asking questions. Wanting to get the update, knowing that we don’t really have time to stop the meeting.
Ghost is smiling his big toothy smile, this thin face wrinkling at the edges of his lips and eyes. Through his quite voice, I can see he’s proud. He is working, delivering papers, taking care of his baby by day, paying the bills. He’s doing well. He’s free, though the chains of adult encumbrance and instructional racism are jangling faintly, down the hall. But we are not there yet- he is not there yet. Today, The Ghost is an employed, domiciled, bill-paying daddy. Halfway through his 22nd year of life, surely, this is the best he’s had so far.
No details are forthcoming. Noting, just a wildly tapping toe.
“Alright, to the group, I suggest that if D is not able to secure 2 job interviews, clean his room, and begin going to class again within 7 days, we suspend the apartment, and begin planning for D have SSI benefits. Is there any agreement on this from the group?”
All heads nodding yes, while D crosses his arms tighter and looks down, towards his lap.
“Alright, anything else?”
Silence.
