Lost

The joys of living and working in a small town include the convenience of all things. For example, I walk across the street to visit the courthouse. Every day I can look out my window at work and see the kids that visit the community "clubhouse" or what I'd call a recreation center. Oftentimes there are groups outside playing in the way that tweens play. There is also a basketball court outside so today the city came by and put up a large aqua Port-O-Potty outside the rec center, for after hours, I suppose.

When I'm at the computer, I have a clear view of said Port-O-Potty which is now becoming an eyesore. Today after school was out, I saw a group of girls outside. They were hanging on one of the small trees and then another was improving her skills with a large hula hoop. Nothing too dramatic.

In days past, I've seen groups of boys ganging up on another boy as I walked home from work. Of course, I look to see if any of the kids are "mine" and make note of them with expectations of seeing them in therapy one day. If I thought the playful wrestling were an actual fight, I'd intervene, quickly.

After the girls were outside, I had a session so I missed an hour of whatever was going on. I brought my client downstairs and returned to my desk to type up notes. At this time I notice one girl being very inappropriate with the Port-O-Potty. Initially she looked as though she were alone, but after further observation I learned that there were boys behind the Port-O-Potty that she was apparently trying to "entertain".

I still don't know people here, but one of the receptionists knows the girl and says she's one of those "lost" children. I'm learning that many kids in this town are lost children. It's a shame too, because there is a lot that they need from adults, but there are few adults willing or able to give them the guidance they need. I'm only one person and my caseload is climbing by the week. Most of these kids will be lost in the budget cuts. It just isn't fair to them at all.