to Mom and Dad) went to Misty
in high school. They married soon
after graduation, even though
everyone said they were too young.
So far, they’ve proved everyone
wrong. School. Work. Paying bills.
They’ve waded through, together.
Then, when Kristina got pregnant
with David and decided she
couldn’t put up with four-year-old
Donald’s hardcore behavior
problems, Jake volunteered to
take him in. He and Misty dealt
patiently with biting. Head
banging. Scream-punctuated
tantrums. Purposeful destruction.
Not his fault, Jake claimed.
She never taught him better.
Truth is, he was wild as a bobcat.
With nurturing and love, Jake
and Misty tamed him. Taught
him the meaning of “no,” how
to say “please” and “thank you.”
Then, of course, Kristina wanted
him back. Sort of like sending
your puppy out to be house-
broken, was Dad’s comment.
Donald did return to Kristina,
better for the experience. But he
has regressed some over time.