Learning how to live again

Chapter 4 - Jake’s past

Jake had been through a lot as a child. He had been raised by his grandfather a few doors down from us. One day, when we were about 8 years old, his grandfather had a heart attack. Jake’s grandfather was dead when he hit the floor. He never knew who his father was and had been in and out of foster care, ever since his grandfather died, because of his mother’s neglect and drug use. When he couldn’t stand to be at his mom’s any longer, he would ride his bike over to our house then climb up the tree and knock on my window. I’d open my window let him in and he would climb into my bed, and we held each other until we fell asleep.

The next morning Aunt Mary would find both of us eating cereal. Aunt Mary gave Jake a key for the house when he was about 12 years old. She kept clean clothes for him, and she always tried to make sure he was eating. Everyone knew if Jake was being removed from his mom’s care, then he could come here. The police were frequently at the apartment. Linda was arrested for drugs, drug paraphernalia and various other misdemeanors. There were a few times the police brought Jake here. This became his home and safe place. It was still true today.