Author: Barry

When we first moved here to Lancaster, I have to admit that it was a little bit of a mess. It was hard to adjust and catch a rhythm, create routines for everyone, care for my siblings and myself, and on top of that, stay calm and grounded. I kept reminding myself that it would … Continue reading "Finding Balance"

Let me start out today by sharing the excitement I felt at work over getting a bonus. I could sure help out the whole family. The brood always needs something practical and mundane. It is no fun to buy ordinary supplies, or even new shoes, when I could get something as a reward for myself. … Continue reading "The Guilt Every Parent Must Feel Sometimes"

It wasn’t a question of where my brother and sister would go in my mind. I knew I couldn’t live with myself seeing them somewhere else: with some another family, with the potential to be separated from the last bit of family they have left. Not when I could try to do something about it. … Continue reading "Growing Up Quickly"

To say that my brother is taking things poorly is a bit of an understatement. Some days he seems fine, like his old self. And other days, he is just this seething mass of hormones and anger. I can’t really blame him, and other than getting him some counseling (already done), I don’t know what … Continue reading "I Got Called to the Principal’s Office!"

In some ways, I am lucky that my brother and sister are a bit older and they can do a lot of stuff for themselves. They also know right from wrong (whether they do the right thing or not a whole other thing). Unfortunately, some of their problems are bigger as well. And I…well, sometimes … Continue reading "Some Lessons are Hard to Learn (and Teach)"

I am still a little in disbelief that this even happened, to be honest. First, though, I have to set the stage: My brother had been invited to a sleepover, which made my sister incredibly jealous. I suggested that she find a friend to stay here with us instead, and the idea wasn’t met with … Continue reading "Awkward Date Tonight"

We probably could have gone anywhere to live, but I chose Lancaster. My brother and sister had already been going to school here and I didn’t want to take them away from their friends. Fortunately, I work right near York, so I was able to keep my job. My commute got longer, sure, and I … Continue reading "Staying in Lancaster"