A friend's dilema - a question for everyone?
Submitted by Once a Boy on December 12 2000 21:55:01
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Tonight, I talked to a friend to learn that he is distraught about his nephew. He had a close relatiosnship with his nephew - playing ball and other things. He claims that the kid always lit up when he came into the room. They seemed to have had a very special relationship. Then, at 11, he began touching the boy in inappropriate ways, and he didn't feel he could stop. Therefore, he left his family moving over 1000 miles away! After three years, he saw his nephew, and the whole family wanted him to move back, including the boy. Then he said, while sleeping at his brother's house, he heard his nephew masterbating, and went into his room. He said he didn't do anything, but the boy (now 14) asked in fear, "What are you doing here?" The next day his mom and dad sat him down, and he just said his goodbyes and left and moved far away again. Recently, (after 2 more years away from his family) he got in touch and learned that the boy (now 17) is involved in drugs and is doing poorly in school. He was upset because he thinks his actions are what caused the boy to be like he is. He wants to write the young man, but he is not quite sure what to say. He seems to be racked with guilt, and he also seems to care deeply about his nephew. As I have mentioned, I have loved many boys, and I guess he saw pictures and all in my house of "my" boys, and he felt comfortable in sharing his situation with me. I don't know what to tell him. I told him I would think about it and get back to him. What do you think I should say? He was crying. I told him I would pray, but I think he wants advice. What do you think he should do? Should he write the kid? ~Once a Boy |
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