Abel—A 180-degree Turnaround

By Patricia Majerczyk, Case Worker

When your parents are drug abusers and traffickers with a taste for domestic violence, you can grow up pretty fast.  This was childhood for eight-year-old “Abel” before he came to live at Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home in 2008.

Abel saw it all, especially the constant fighting between his parents.  Abel’s father frequently beat his mom in front of him.  He remembers when his father threatened his mom with a knife and the terror he felt. Abel’s father used methamphetamines and was involved in running drugs across the Juarez/El Paso border. Eventually, both of his parents were arrested transporting drugs across the international bridge. His mother was sentenced to two years in prison and his father was given a three-year sentence.

Their violent relationship and criminal activity eventually resulted in divorce and Abel was placed with his aunt, who was caring for a sick husband and four children of her own. In desperation, the aunt came to Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home seeking help with Abel, who was doing poorly in school and behaving aggressively toward his cousins.  Abel was nervous about being placed at the Home, but accepted the help with a bashful, yet willing smile.

Abel continued to struggle in school and had difficulty staying seated for any length of time. His aggressive and defiant behavior continued to be a problem in his cottage and during home visits at his aunt’s house. Abel was referred for a psychological evaluation and was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and was put under medical treatment. In addition, he received individual and family therapy to work out his personal and family issues.

Through medication and therapy, Abel made a complete turnaround. He became a cooperative, outgoing, and friendly child. After three years, he was making As and Bs in school and has became one of the most responsible and well-behaved children in his cottage.  His mother has served her two-year sentence and established a new life free of drugs and violence. She met and established a new life with a wonderful Christian man, who has helped Abel forgive his parents and start a new promising chapter in his life.

Abel was recently reunited with his mom and continues to be a happy, productive child.  He comes by to visit once in a while and always brings his beautiful smile. His mother is happy to have him at home. He maintains good grades and he plans to join the football team in the coming school year and looks forward to participating in other sports.  Abel is thrilled to be home and relishes his mother’s wonderful cooking—and her love and support. He enjoys spending time with his new stepfather, who treats him like a son and teaches him about God. He is grateful to everyone at Lee Moor for all their help and for making it possible to be reunited with his mother and family.