Nicholas exists with delusions of grandeur. Two years ago he met some young men in high school that introduced him to the “Bloods”. I imagine they educated Nick about the gang and I am sure it never went any further than that. Nick had to be in 9pm every night and all of the time was spent with me knowing where he was.
Now I am not an idiot. I know children can scam and still manage to do things opposite of what their parents thought. But, I do believe I had good control of Nick and the people he hung around. I do know that he was exposed to a “white” ex con for some time, but that would not lead him to the Bloods.
Well, we challenged Nick the Blood in my house. Over some time, with several black eyes and two broken noses (to me) I challenged Nick's choice of clothing. I told him nothing red. No red shoes, pants, shirts, or bandannas. I took them all away. You should have seen him.....he was extremely mad. Well, another black eye later, that was when I called the cops. Nick was drunk and yelling all kind of vulgarity's. He was pleading to be taken to jail. All his friends the “Bloods” are there and jail (it seems) is the better life for him.
Now my side.... Hmmmmm..... At this point I knew Nick needed help and finally after this incident he is getting the help he really needs. Nick is not a hopeless case......he is just very challenging.
Recently he hit another youth and the parents are pressing charges. Nicholas just turned 18, he is an adult and should not be hitting young children. Actually, he shouldn't be hitting anyone. Today was the arraignment and last night Nick called me to tell me that he was hot. He had re-joined the bloods and because he going to court, he was hot, so he could not get involved in any of their shenanigans. Sigh. Just him bringing the Bloods up wrecks me a little bit. Nick is just reaching out, trying to finds something to identify with. How about 5000 lost boys dressed in red! I pray for the blood of Christ. That Nick examine his true family and roots and find Christ. Christ is with him.....he just has to look slightly for him. At home we have all been encouraging him on the phone about Jesus. He knows to listen and is always ready to pray with you. So, my son is just a little lost and probably more drawn to peer pressure.
God Bless You All, hope you all had nice summers like me.
Matt