Hi Guys! I come to you once again with a problem. I am in better spirits though. The Dr. changed my medication and it seems alot better already. My sister and her husband are hard core drug addicts. What I mean by hard core is that they are hooked on herione and the needle. They have a little girl. She's an angel she's 9 years old. Her name is Hannah Faith. My sister knows she's going to die, and soon if she don't get some help. She has asked me to take care of Hannah while she goes into detox then a long term drug facility. I think I can do this. But I'm scared of so much responsibility. Hannah and I have always been very close. We actually have a lot in common. She is so beautiful she has won several beauty contests. So what does the community think. Am I ready and strong enough to take total responsibility for a 9 year old child. Thanks so much...
Q: My sister needs help. I'm the only option to take care of her 9 year old daughter Hannah Faith.
Hi, Michelle. I'm glad to hear you are doing better. Sorry to hear about your sister and her husband, but it's good that your sister is going to get treatment. As long as you are willingly caring for your niece, I think that would be fine (I'm saying this without really knowing that much about you other than what you've written). It sounds like you really care about her and maybe this will be a really positive thing in her life with you modeling a good example of coping with life. At nine, kids are getting pretty independent so I wouldn't think it should be particularly taxing to take care of her. I'll bet it will help you feel better about yourself, too, knowing how much she needs you during this time.
I hope it goes well for you and your sister - she's lucky to have a good person to leave her daughter with. Take care, give us an update!
You are the only one who knows if you can take care of your niece. I don't know what your living accommodations are or your financial situation are like. Since you already have a good relationship with her, that is a promising start.
One alert, and pardon me for throwing this in, but I feel I must. Nine years old is often when a girl starts noticing her body, and unfortunately, judging her body. I had my first period at nine. Be careful about emphasizing physical beauty and beauty contests. They can sometimes backfire and become agents of eating disorders. Especially if she feels she is being abandoned by her parents or feels she is in some way responsible for the wreck they have made of their lives. There are so many things like character and compassion and inner beauty that are much more important.
Best wishes to you and your niece. It would be very loving and kind for you to be her guardian. And it's a big challenge. Keep coming and posting here to let us know how things are going.
Thanks for your comment. I agree with you totally on beauty contests. It would be wonderful if she entered these contest for the right reasons. But as I sit here and think Hannah just wanted her parents to love her and pay attention to her. The TV and coloring books is what her life is. Her mom and dad are just trying everyday to find a fix and Hannah is just a bother. I hate that so much. I have been a drug addict myself and I remember that being my only focus and my children suffered so much. But now I have been clean for 2 years. And I feel like that being there for Hannah maybe it would make up for some of the wrong I did. Money wise I get disability. So things will be tight. But I was laying in the bed thinking of things we could do that don't cost anything or they are free. The wonderful world of the library. They have computers that are programed for every childs age and she loves computers. She loves books too. Taking walks we live in the country and I could teach her about the different plants and wild life. And many more things. But most of all I can give her my love and attention. I can let her know she's not a burden but a gift and what matters the most is what is in her heart and that beauty is an outward thing. True beauty comes from the heart and makes you who you are. Thanks for the support on this issue like I told another person I just needed a confirmation on moving forward. I will keep Hannah until she has drug free parents who want her not the drugs. It's heart breaking. I can see now what I put my own children through and the guilt is huge, but now I must move forward and let go because it can't be changed. Devote my time to the people that need me. Thanks again God Bless You and have a wonderful week...
I agree that maybe you are being given a chance now to influence a child's life by giving love and affection and attention. It may turn out to be healing for your soul as well as for hers. I'm 52 and I would like an aunt like you to go live with!
Donna
Thank You so much for the assurance. I needed that. I just love this site and people like you who are on it. Have a great day!
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Thank you so much for your response. I have so much love to give her. And I need somebody who needs me that when I am so depressed I don't want to get out of bed I will have to for Hannah. And once I am out of bed I just have a hunch it won't be long till I feel better. She is an amazing child. She has never been tested but I think she is one of those people who remember everything. She has a perfect score in every subject in school. Thank you and God Bless you I really needed that confirmation. Take Care...