Women's Initiative Luncheon 2007

Just Listen by Katrina

It’s somin I need to bring to your attention
You overpower me in all our conversation
Can’t you take this into consideration
I talk while you listen

You’re the reason why I want to go wild
Because you always treat me like a child.
Can’t you see I’m growing up?
Why can’t you just shut up?

I should always give you respect,
But I only give what I get.
You don’t listen to what I have to say.
So why should I listen to you anyway

Even though I don’t I do,
Deep inside I still love you.
I go through all these phases.
But what I fail to see is you.
We’re here through all these stages.

No one said as we grow, we had to grow apart.
From the only person you owe your heart.
The one you love like no other.

Sometimes I do let you down
Sometimes I don’t want you around
Sometimes I feel left out
Sometimes you make me wanna shout

I understand these things I cant do.
And I might need help too
But in whatever I go through
The most likely person I will turn to would be you.

All Thanks To You by Casina

I know I made you worry when I came in after hours,
And I often hogged the bathroom with my 30 minute showers.
I may have asked for money like you grew it on a tree,
And on more than one occasion we ran late because of me.
I may have acted whiny when you gave me stuff to do,
And I know at times my grumpy moods were taken out on you.
I may have been a challenge but you did the best you could,
And grandparents you did a splendid job,
Because I sure turned out good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Brighter Life by Jacquiline

Here I am,
No longer confused.
No longer asking questions,
About which path I should chose.
My mom isn’t biological,
But is it still possible,
For her to be the heart of my
Success?
Because who would’ve guessed,
She’d be the one to take me out
Of an awkward position?
So for this she definitely deserves
Recognition.
I no longer have to worry
About my life and what the
Future holds.
Only because after I graduate
From Illinois State,
With a masters degree,
In psychology,
I’ll be the one to prove that I am
Worthy…..
Of a brighter life.

About Me by Jennifer

Hello, my name is Jennifer. I am 12 years old. I have been in my first foster home since December 24, 2005. My foster home is nice and they treat me as their own child. If I could change one thing it would be a better school and I would like to learn more things about different cultures and other children in foster care. One day I would like to visit Africa and learn about their culture. Right now I would like to be a fashion model because I love play dress up and I like watching modeling on T.V. I would like to go to college one day. Childlink has helped me out and done a lot for me and I have a good future.

My Story by Katrina

We waited. My sisters and I just sat there in the principal’s office waiting. Waiting and waiting. Waiting for whatever reason we were told to stay at school that day. I sat up and watched the door in anxiety. “Where is she?” I thought. My sisters were fidgeting and slumped over in their seats overcome by a sleepiness that hung thickly in the air. After hours of sitting there I became irritated and livid. We had been there for almost seven hours waiting for our mother or father to come and get us. Earlier that day she had called the school and told them to keep us until she came and got us. So there we were waiting in a cold ugly room that needed a lot of color put to it. I began to tire and became restless and gave up.

After waiting so long with no result the principle called the police who came and picked us up and took us to the station. There we stayed for another 3 hours before my maternal grandparents picked us up. That day I was stripped of the belief that it wouldn’t happen to me and that I was different. I knew our parents had left us. At first I was furious and wanted to hear no one’s explanation of why they did it. My demeanor changed. I wasn’t as nice to people as I had been. I also withdrew from a lot of things, and wasn’t as talkative as I once was. My grandparents said we would be living with them. I couldn’t understand why my parents had put us in a situation like this, but I was done with them. My mother tried to call and I refused to talk to her.

That day I finally understood things happened for a reason, and I still don’t know why but they do. Now I really don’t worry about it. Good things came as a result of me living with my grandparents. I used my energy to do better in school and my grandparents also pushed me to do better. I even made the honor roll because they made sure I did everything to the fullest of my ability. My parents always accepted the grades I bought home. My grandparent didn’t though. They told me that I was going to have to go to college and do better, because it’s my life that I have to worry about. My grandfather always says” we’ve made our living now you have to make yours.”

I haven’t seen my parents in four years. No birthday cards, Christmas gifts or anything for that matter. My parents aren’t brought up in the house. My sisters have taken my grandparents last name but I’ve kept mine. Although I don’t want anything to do with my parents taking a new one wouldn’t feel right to me. These events have taught me to be strong and watch what’s going on around me more carefully.