Those Bruce Boys

Aiden has had one of his off weeks this past week.  Getting sent to the principal's office for spitting in a girl's face at school on Friday, several time-outs, do-overs, etc.  We usually go through this cycle.  We have a great few weeks and them BAM.  Terrible. 

Today he had a difficult time at church and continued to be disobedient at home.  He then pooped his pants, which was the last straw for me.  I told him that he was going to bed early and reminded him of his behavior over the last few days and his need of a heart change.

As I was bathing the younger two I hear Noah yell, "Mooom!  Aiden just said you were giving him away."  I called for Aiden to come into the bathroom.  He confirmed that he had said that to Noah.  I said, "Aiden, why would you say that we are giving you away?"  His response, "Because I do bad things." 

Yikes.
Big time.

My heart just broke.

I looked into his eyes and affirmed him, his place in our family, that we will always be his mommy and daddy, and all that stuff.  It seemed to assure him and comfort him. 

It blows my mind that even after over two years being in our home he STILL thinks that he can be bad enough that we would send him back to Africa.  I never realized that at the young age of 2 the loss and the pain would be so deep that it would still be ingrained in his mind and heart.

Lord, give me the wisdom, the patience and the grace to be the parent to all my boys, but especially in caring for these tender and wounded hearts.