Precious and CASA

I started reading "Push" by Sapphire last night as a book on tape (BOT) and it is fantastic but disturbing. Push is the book that was made into the movie "Precious". It's the story of a 16 year old girl in Harlem who is illiterate and pregnant for the second time by her father. This book makes me want to cry for this poor girl who is just trying to get by, but the world has knocked her around in so many ways. I'm only on the second disc so far, and I'm so glad I am listening to it as a BOT instead of reading it. I feel that the voice of the character and the grammar and syntax of Sapphire's writing style conveys the culture that makes Precious who she is.

I almost stopped reading/listening to it during the first disc-because I was disgusted by what Precious' parents had done to her and listening to the depictions of abuse made me angry and sad. It makes me even sadder to know that these things actually happen to children every day, which is why I kept reading/listening. I will update as I finish the book (probably soon-it's that good!)

I have been working as a Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad litem (CASA/GAL) for the past two years, but will be unable to continue with this wonderful organization due to my crazy schedule. I would highly recommend this volunteering opportunity to anyone interested in making a difference in the life of a child/children who have been abused or neglected, but it is a big commitment of both time and emotions. I think the emotional issue is probably the reason I am quitting, but that's an issue for my therapist...

I have a hard time not overextending myself, especially when it comes to kids that need help. Being a CASA is wonderful, but my role was/is to be a outside observer and report the facts. I can't stay objective and not want to jump in and "fix" things. So in order for me not to go nuts, I am putting my energy into my other jobs. I do highly recommend CASA and all that they do for children-it is fantastic and so very much needed. If you are looking for a volunteering opportunity and would like more information, feel free to email me or contact www.casaforchildren.org.