Been almost a year.

[Rick]

Almost a year ago, Debbie and I took custody of her 12 year old niece Neelee. Neelee's mom passed away from complications of diabetes. For years, she took care of her mom, giving her her insulin shots, paying bills, and all manner of things you'd never ask of a kid that age. She really missed out a lot in being a child, and with that, she's more mature mentally than her peers. She doesn't get into the silliness of kids her age, but she masks it and goes along with it and does the best she can. She's like my Dad in that you can never tell what's on her mind, whether she's happy, sad or otherwise. She's like a rock really, UNTIL TONIGHT. She caught a bug, and has been throwing up her toenails for a few hours, and what a little 'woe is me' titbag. RIGHT back to being a child. So we're doing all we can to make her comfortable until this passes. How many friggin trips to the grocery store to get 7up, soup and other sundry shit am I going to have to make? I'm glad to do it though, she's worth it.

Seriously though, we were really very blessed. We could have gotten any kind of child, with any kind of emotional problems and attitudes, but we sure got a damn good one. Her father, who is Debbie's brother, is missing out on something very special, as he's not much more than a harley riding pot smoker. Definitely not parenting material, and he knows it, so he asked us to continue raising her.

Debbie never had any children, so this I was definitely going to be an experiment, but if I didn't love that lady before, I sure do now, as she's done an incredible job, every day. My hat is most definitely off to Deb.

Debbie had Neelee see a counselor for a dozen or so sessions, at which point we were informed that she was doing very well, and she wouldn't want to live anywhere else. That was huge to hear. She'll have a home here as long as Deb and I are alive to give her one.

Here's a picture of us. My great wife Debbie, my incredible daughter Brooke, the poor sickly Neelee and some ugly sonofabitch on the right.

[steveo777]

Almost a year ago, Debbie and I took custody of her 12 year old niece Neelee. Neelee's mom passed away from complications of diabetes. For years, she took care of her mom, giving her her insulin shots, paying bills, and all manner of things you'd never ask of a kid that age. She really missed out a lot in being a child, and with that, she's more mature mentally than her peers. She doesn't get into the silliness of kids her age, but she masks it and goes along with it and does the best she can. She's like my Dad in that you can never tell what's on her mind, whether she's happy, sad or otherwise. She's like a rock really, UNTIL TONIGHT. She caught a bug, and has been throwing up her toenails for a few hours, and what a little 'woe is me' titbag. RIGHT back to being a child. So we're doing all we can to make her comfortable until this passes. How many friggin trips to the grocery store to get 7up, soup and other sundry shit am I going to have to make? I'm glad to do it though, she's worth it.

Seriously though, we were really very blessed. We could have gotten any kind of child, with any kind of emotional problems and attitudes, but we sure got a damn good one. Her father, who is Debbie's brother, is missing out on something very special, as he's not much more than a harley riding pot smoker. Definitely not parenting material, and he knows it, so he asked us to continue raising her.

Debbie never had any children, so this I was definitely going to be an experiment, but if I didn't love that lady before, I sure do now, as she's done an incredible job, every day. My hat is most definitely off to Deb.

Debbie had Neelee see a counselor for a dozen or so sessions, at which point we were informed that she was doing very well, and she wouldn't want to live anywhere else. That was huge to hear. She'll have a home here as long as Deb and I are alive to give her one.

Here's a picture of us. My great wife Debbie, my incredible daughter Brooke, the poor sickly Neelee and some ugly sonofabitch on the right.

Only 1 if you buy enough shit when you're there. It sounds like she's lucky to have you for a Dad!

[Maui Tom]

you're a good man pRick. Seriously.

[Rick]

One very sharp eyed poster here noticed that the photo I posted was photoshopped, and she was right. So I'll explain. I made the photo I posted of us above for Debbie's mom for Mothers Day, as she didn't have one of all of us together. The original was a bit different with Brooke's boyfriend Stan in it and Neelee off to my left. I had no idea anyone would be able to tell. Deb's mom's probably over there saying "I can't believe this hacked up photo is my Mothers Day gift". Anyway, here's the original.

[Rip Rokken]

Beautiful family, Rick!

[Rick]

Beautiful family, Rick!

Thanks Rip.
We've taken Neelee to the ER. They're thinking it may be appendicitis.

[Voyager]

You rock Rick.

[StevePerryHair]

Thanks for sharing your story Rick! I hope it's not appendicitis and she'll be okay soon!

Having 11 and 13 year old daughters myself, I can tell you that it's a REALLY important age and the fact she has lost her mom and has a dad who shows little interest, I can't even imagine what it's like for her. She may be mature on the outside because of all she's been through. Those kinds of real life things so young kind of force you to grow up a little too soon. On the inside she's still that little girl though!! That's what it sounds like you got to see! When she had no choice to be vulnerable! Anyway, you and Debbie are awesome! Having your influence in these teen years is going to make such a difference. Having a positive male influence, especially for a girl that age is just really important! Voyager is right, you rock

[Behshad]

Great story El Ricko. You're a great guy with a big heart , even though you're black jk bro.
It's hard to find good people like you and Debbie. And as I noticed in the pic , it's hard to find good help to keep your drinks refilled.

Best of luck to you and your beautiful family. I hope I get the pleasure to meet you in a near future.

[Babyblue]

Rick, what a beautiful story i remember you telling us about her last year.She is a very lucky young lady to have a great family like you & Debbie.You both ROCK!

P.S.
You have a beautiful family hon.

[Melissa]

Agree wholeheartedly with everything else said here... you are awesome Rick and she is a very lucky young lady to be part of your family!

[portland]

Beautiful family, Rick!

Thanks Rip.
We've taken Neelee to the ER. They're thinking it may be appendicitis.

Hope she is okay, keep us posted.

Surgery is not "fun" at any age.

[Michigan Girl]

This is beautiful ...made me cry and smile at the same time!!
What a lucky child to have you and Debbie ...people who feel
blessed by her presence!! THIS is love personified!!
A beautiful addition to an already beautiful family!!!

[Jana]

I hope you tell her all the wonderful things you tell us. (I'm sure you do.) I'm sure it was a hard transition for her and means a lot to her to know how much she means to both of you. Both the girls are great-looking, and your wife is beautiful.

[Saint John]

Jesus, Rick, it's 8:42 am and I'm almost in fuckin' tears. Great story, man.

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Beautiful family, Rick!

Thanks Rip.
We've taken Neelee to the ER. They're thinking it may be appendicitis.

I hope it's nothing serious. Rick, you and Debbie are great people.

If you ever need advice on kids, just let me know. I have 3 (ages 9, 11 and 13).

[Saint John]

Beautiful family, Rick!

Thanks Rip.
We've taken Neelee to the ER. They're thinking it may be appendicitis.

I missed this the first time around. I hope everything turns out well, Rick.

[bluejeangirl76]

you're a good man pRick. Seriously.

Agreed. Well, except the prick part...

The world needs more good guys like that.
And what a lovely family you have, Rick.

[Ehwmatt]

Lovely family Rick. What a great story.

[Rip Rokken]

Beautiful family, Rick!

Thanks Rip.
We've taken Neelee to the ER. They're thinking it may be appendicitis.

So sorry to hear, and I hope she recovers very quickly.

[MBPL]

Almost a year ago, Debbie and I took custody of her 12 year old niece Neelee. Neelee's mom passed away from complications of diabetes. For years, she took care of her mom, giving her her insulin shots, paying bills, and all manner of things you'd never ask of a kid that age. She really missed out a lot in being a child, and with that, she's more mature mentally than her peers. She doesn't get into the silliness of kids her age, but she masks it and goes along with it and does the best she can. She's like my Dad in that you can never tell what's on her mind, whether she's happy, sad or otherwise. She's like a rock really, UNTIL TONIGHT. She caught a bug, and has been throwing up her toenails for a few hours, and what a little 'woe is me' titbag. RIGHT back to being a child. So we're doing all we can to make her comfortable until this passes. How many friggin trips to the grocery store to get 7up, soup and other sundry shit am I going to have to make? I'm glad to do it though, she's worth it.

Seriously though, we were really very blessed. We could have gotten any kind of child, with any kind of emotional problems and attitudes, but we sure got a damn good one. Her father, who is Debbie's brother, is missing out on something very special, as he's not much more than a harley riding pot smoker. Definitely not parenting material, and he knows it, so he asked us to continue raising her.

Debbie never had any children, so this I was definitely going to be an experiment, but if I didn't love that lady before, I sure do now, as she's done an incredible job, every day. My hat is most definitely off to Deb.

Debbie had Neelee see a counselor for a dozen or so sessions, at which point we were informed that she was doing very well, and she wouldn't want to live anywhere else. That was huge to hear. She'll have a home here as long as Deb and I are alive to give her one.

Here's a picture of us. My great wife Debbie, my incredible daughter Brooke, the poor sickly Neelee and some ugly sonofabitch on the right.

The only words I will state are, "Beautiful family, YOU TOO Rick!" And beautiful souls both you and your wife. All the best to your niece. L

[Rick]

Thanks for all the kind words. We got to the ER at 12:30 or so and left at 8:00 this morning. I'm friggin tired.

Turned out to be a stomach virus, so no surgery. They gave her a CT scan and said everything looked fine. We asked if they did a blood sugar count, and they said it was 120, which is a little high, but they said it'll be a bit higher with how dehydrated she was.

Debbie had told me that when she took her to get her school shots, they almost had to put her in a straight jacket. She had given her mom shots for years, but can't stand the thought of getting one. She was antsy, but she took the IV pretty well. The first stick didn't take, so they had to do it again. Then they stuck her in her a third time in the other arm, and as long as we were right there, she was alright. I think she did worse when they were untaping her IV. That part looked painful to me.

So Debbie and I just woke up, and there's a bag of donuts sitting on the coffee table. Nobody knows how the hell they got there either. It's Debbie's favorite donuts, and she's sure I sleep walked myself to the donut store, and I'm absolutely sure I didn't. Very strange.

[DSHinMICH]

She is one lucky girl to have you both! Glad it was not too serious!

[PianoMan1986]

Almost a year ago, Debbie and I took custody of her 12 year old niece Neelee. Neelee's mom passed away from complications of diabetes. For years, she took care of her mom, giving her her insulin shots, paying bills, and all manner of things you'd never ask of a kid that age. She really missed out a lot in being a child, and with that, she's more mature mentally than her peers. She doesn't get into the silliness of kids her age, but she masks it and goes along with it and does the best she can. She's like my Dad in that you can never tell what's on her mind, whether she's happy, sad or otherwise. She's like a rock really, UNTIL TONIGHT. She caught a bug, and has been throwing up her toenails for a few hours, and what a little 'woe is me' titbag. RIGHT back to being a child. So we're doing all we can to make her comfortable until this passes. How many friggin trips to the grocery store to get 7up, soup and other sundry shit am I going to have to make? I'm glad to do it though, she's worth it.

Seriously though, we were really very blessed. We could have gotten any kind of child, with any kind of emotional problems and attitudes, but we sure got a damn good one. Her father, who is Debbie's brother, is missing out on something very special, as he's not much more than a harley riding pot smoker. Definitely not parenting material, and he knows it, so he asked us to continue raising her.

Debbie never had any children, so this I was definitely going to be an experiment, but if I didn't love that lady before, I sure do now, as she's done an incredible job, every day. My hat is most definitely off to Deb.

Debbie had Neelee see a counselor for a dozen or so sessions, at which point we were informed that she was doing very well, and she wouldn't want to live anywhere else. That was huge to hear. She'll have a home here as long as Deb and I are alive to give her one.

Here's a picture of us. My great wife Debbie, my incredible daughter Brooke, the poor sickly Neelee and some ugly sonofabitch on the right.

Great story and family photo, but I was a little puzzled and not sure what to think of the part in bold.

[Rick]

Almost a year ago, Debbie and I took custody of her 12 year old niece Neelee. Neelee's mom passed away from complications of diabetes. For years, she took care of her mom, giving her her insulin shots, paying bills, and all manner of things you'd never ask of a kid that age. She really missed out a lot in being a child, and with that, she's more mature mentally than her peers. She doesn't get into the silliness of kids her age, but she masks it and goes along with it and does the best she can. She's like my Dad in that you can never tell what's on her mind, whether she's happy, sad or otherwise. She's like a rock really, UNTIL TONIGHT. She caught a bug, and has been throwing up her toenails for a few hours, and what a little 'woe is me' titbag. RIGHT back to being a child. So we're doing all we can to make her comfortable until this passes. How many friggin trips to the grocery store to get 7up, soup and other sundry shit am I going to have to make? I'm glad to do it though, she's worth it.

Seriously though, we were really very blessed. We could have gotten any kind of child, with any kind of emotional problems and attitudes, but we sure got a damn good one. Her father, who is Debbie's brother, is missing out on something very special, as he's not much more than a harley riding pot smoker. Definitely not parenting material, and he knows it, so he asked us to continue raising her.

Debbie never had any children, so this I was definitely going to be an experiment, but if I didn't love that lady before, I sure do now, as she's done an incredible job, every day. My hat is most definitely off to Deb.

Debbie had Neelee see a counselor for a dozen or so sessions, at which point we were informed that she was doing very well, and she wouldn't want to live anywhere else. That was huge to hear. She'll have a home here as long as Deb and I are alive to give her one.

Here's a picture of us. My great wife Debbie, my incredible daughter Brooke, the poor sickly Neelee and some ugly sonofabitch on the right.

Great story and family photo, but I was a little puzzled and not sure what to think of the part in bold.

I was trying to be funny. It sounded funny last night when I typed it. I didn't want the story to be all serious and heavy, so I was trying to lighten it up a bit.

[Arianddu]

So Debbie and I just woke up, and there's a bag of donuts sitting on the coffee table. Nobody knows how the hell they got there either. It's Debbie's favorite donuts, and she's sure I sleep walked myself to the donut store, and I'm absolutely sure I didn't. Very strange.

Donut Fairy, obviously. Check you've still got all your teeth.

[Babyblue]

Glad everything is fine now Rick.

[Rick]

Glad everything is fine now Rick.

She's still not feeling well. She's really constipated also, so we're going a little at a time with laxatives to try to get that resolved. She's also running about a degree of temperature, so we're watching that closely too. Might be another long night in the ER if something doesn't change.

[Rick]

So Debbie and I just woke up, and there's a bag of donuts sitting on the coffee table. Nobody knows how the hell they got there either. It's Debbie's favorite donuts, and she's sure I sleep walked myself to the donut store, and I'm absolutely sure I didn't. Very strange.

Donut Fairy, obviously. Check you've still got all your teeth.

Turns out the upstairs neighbor brought them. Neelee answered the door. Debbie and I were OUT! LOL!

[DrFU]

Glad everything is fine now Rick.

She's still not feeling well. She's really constipated also, so we're going a little at a time with laxatives to try to get that resolved. She's also running about a degree of temperature, so we're watching that closely too. Might be another long night in the ER if something doesn't change.

When she's feels better she is going to kill you in your sleep for oversharing about her condition ...