Casey and John never married due to John’s immature
reaction to finding out Casey was pregnant. His emotional immaturity caused him
to distance himself from Casey. John felt totally overwhelmed at the prospect
of marriage and raising a child. As much as he liked Casey, he was scared and
could not deal with that kind of responsibility. John subsequently moved into a
different group home. Casey gave birth to a 6.2oz baby boy named Matthew. Casey
was adamant about keeping her baby and rejected the idea of giving him up for
adoption. Given Sarah’s feelings of regret after giving up her son for
adoption, she offered to help Casey raise Matthew. At least this time her
financial situation made it possible to provide for a child. In a way, Sarah
was making up for what she couldn’t have given her own son. Matthew grew up in
Sarah’s home, and Casey spent time with him after work and on weekends. Sarah
had arranged for child care while she was at work. During the time they were together, Sarah
taught Casey how to care for Matthew. Casey would return to the group home
after putting Matthew to bed. On occasion, Casey would spend the weekend with
her mother and Matthew. Casey continued to work but had to get another job at a
different restaurant when the first one closed.
Casey’s experiences as a mother promoted an increase in
her emotional maturity. She was less self centered and demonstrated concern and
empathy for others. She had learned to cook and kept herself and her living
area neat and clean. Although Casey’s mental age was far below her
chronological age of 40, she had made significant gains both socially and
emotionally. Casey had become a productive member of society. She had succeeded
in holding down a job and was able to use functional academics in her daily life.
She had reached the level of functioning which professionals strive for when
working with people like Casey. With
Sarah’s help, she was able to raise her child. Casey was able to provide
Matthew with love and attend to many of his physical needs, but lacked the
intellectual abilities to stimulate him mentally as he grew older. It was Sarah
who had to supplement the mental stimulation that Casey could not provide to
Matthew. In addition, Matthew was
enrolled in a nursery school program for added stimulation and socialization
with peers. The first five years are crucial to the development of a child’s
brain.
Sarah was almost 60 and still employed as a dental
hygienist. She often thought about her son and wondered if she’d ever see him.
Casey’s son helped to fill the void left after giving her son up for adoption.
Sarah never stopped sending cards and gifts for his birthday and holidays. The
adoptive parents continued sending pictures but not as often or as many since
he became a teenager. When Sarah turned 65, she received a long awaited
communication from her son who had asked to meet with her. Sarah was thrilled
and extremely nervous about meeting him. When the day came, her son appeared at
her door with flowers. Sarah took the flowers in one hand, hugged him, kissed
him and proceeded to cry. He returned the hug and kisses as the tears rolled
down his face. They talked for hours. Sarah explained the circumstances
surrounding his birth and her reasons for giving him up for adoption. She told
him about his father, his sister, and his nephew. Casey and Matthew came over
and got to meet him as well. He had been
given the name Brian, and was attending graduate school in order to get an MBA.
He spoke lovingly about his adoptive parents. Speaking with Sarah and meeting
Casey helped Brian better understand what led to his being put up for adoption.
He was grateful to Sarah for all the cards and gifts as well as making it easy
for him to find her. As Brian left, he agreed to keep in touch and gave a big
hug to Sarah, Casey, and Matthew.
Casey
had turned 50 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Matthew was now 15 and
attending high school. He was a bright boy and understood about his mother’s
disability. He was quite upset when he learned that Casey had cancer. Sarah was devastated when she found out.
Casey had to have a mastectomy and underwent chemotherapy. During this time,
Casey stayed with her mother. Sarah was retired and collecting social security.
She also had an annuity from a 401K that she started when she began working for
the dentist. Casey had Medicaid and received SSI given her disability. Casey
also saved money from her salary at the restaurants at which she worked.
Casey’s illness was affecting her attendance at work. She had used her sick leave
for her surgery, but the time she missed because of the side effects from the
chemo was deducted from her pay. Casey
was able to manage with Sarah’s help. Matthew had a part time job and was also
able to contribute financially.
After
Casey finished chemo, she was back to work on a consistent basis and no longer
needed to stay with Sarah. Matthew graduated high school and received a full
tuition scholarship based on need and academic performance. Casey was back in
the group home and feeling more like herself. Cancer patients’ survival rate
increases if they remain cancer free for at least 5 years. Percentages change, depending on the stage of
cancer at diagnosis. Casey’s was stage 2 so her chances were 93%. When Casey
was 56, Matthew graduated college. She and Sarah were attending the graduation
exercises. It was a proud and joyous day for Casey and Sarah. During the
graduation exercises, Casey complained of a deep chest pain. They said nothing
to Matthew in an effort not to ruin his day. The next day, Casey saw her doctor
who recommended a chest x-ray. When the results came back, they were
inconclusive, so Casey was sent for a CAT scan.
Once the results were in, the news wasn’t good. The cancer had
metastasized to her breast bone. Sarah and Casey wept. The prognosis was not
good. The doctor recommended radiation therapy to shrink the tumor in the bone
and suggested another treatment of chemotherapy. He felt this was the only
option at this point, if there was to be any hope of arresting Casey’s cancer.
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