From Left to Write bloggers recently had the good fortune to read advance copies of Gone Girl, the newest novel from the fabulous author Gillian Flynn. The book hit shelves this week - and you should totally believe the hype. It's all true; this book is an outstanding page turner. As part of this online book club, though, we write posts inspired by the book. The subject matter of this novel is serious, and I had a hard time settling on a topic!
I've been married to my husband for almost ten years. We've been together for fourteen and a half. I know him backwards and forwards, and he knows me the same way. In that time together we've had plenty of adventures, jobs, moves, and other fun experiences. For awhile we lived in New England, and worked with kids who were troubled or at-risk in some way. Technically, we were called therapeutic foster parents - we lived in a house provided by a private school, and the kids lived there with us. The goal was to provide and demonstrate a stable family unit, teach life skills, and provide therapy. Some of the kids we worked with responded well. Others did not. We had the experience of working with a true sociopath during that time. I can honestly say, it was one of the most frightening encounters in my life. It is hard to comprehend that a human being might truly just not care...that everything may be a distortion of reality, a calculated move to further whatever position most benefits the current favored agenda. How do you reason with someone who will manipulate every truth and every situation to their own advantage? How do you help someone who really doesn't want it?
I wish I could say that it all had a happy ending. Honestly, I don't know where the kids we worked with ended up. When we left our jobs, we could not keep in touch with them. I hope that they've gotten the help they needed, and turned into wonderful young adults (or older teens). Realistically, I know that more than a couple of them may not have. It is a sad reality to think about - but the harm some illnesses can cause is unimaginable.
This post is inspired by mystery thriller GONE GIRL by Gillian Flynn. They may not have the perfect marriage, but after Amy goes missing, Nick becomes the number one suspect. Can he discover what happened before it's too late? Join From Left to Write on June 12 as we discuss Gone Girl. As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.
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4 comments:
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I know that must have been a challenging job, to put so much of your heart into those children and not know what happened to them.
I imagine that job tested you regularly. But it's nice that you still think of them.
i cant imagine being frightened by a child. you are a strong person.
Some may have not ended up well, but people who are able to give and teach like you and your husband did actively participate in giving people a chance at life. Thanks for sharing your role with us.
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