Brad's Story - Part 2
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Sitting in the school counseling office, Brad watched his Coach unpack his bag and get his computer logged in. The man was so patient and kind, never pushing, but always interested in his students.
Finally, Brad looked up with a tear running down his face. “I need help.”
“Tell me what happened, son,” the coach responded with gentleness.
Brad shared it all. The drinking, the neighbors, the arguing, the fighting, and his mom leaving. It had been weeks of chaos and confusion. He wanted to go live with his Grandma, but every time he called, he couldn’t reach her.
“You are safe here. We’ll figure it out together. Let’s go see the school nurse.” Coach said.
The school nurse checked out his bruises. Brad was glad she didn’t ask any more questions. After that, the School Resource Officer and a lady from the Department of Social Services came to talk with Brad to ask a few more questions as they filled out paperwork and contacted the local authorities.
Brad was scared. He didn’t know what would happen next. Why couldn’t he reach his Grandma?
He spent most of the school day sitting in the counseling office. He didn’t want to go to class, not even to PE. He just wanted to stay with Coach and wait to see if his Grandma would come get him. They were kind and compassionate in the office, gathering some schoolwork for him and letting him work at his own pace. Brad was relieved they didn’t ask more questions.
. . . . . . . . . . .
When it was almost time for afternoon announcements, a new lady introduced herself.
“Hi Brad, I’m Ms. Jessica, and I’m your caseworker for DSS. For now, you are going to go with me back to the DSS office.”
“No, I’m not going with you. I’m waiting for my Grandma. I can stay with her.” Brad said defiantly.
Jessica replied, “Unfortunately, that will not be possible, Brad. We are still working on a long-term placement for you, but I have an overnight place that we will go to in a little while. You will be going into foster care. Do you know what that means?”
Brad's Story is an incredible story of a child in foster care that is included in PS I Love You's 2026 Mission Kit. For more information about engaging your church or child's organization, visit https://www.psiloveyouministries.com/missions
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