His Own Identity

A few weeks before Christmas Beth was surprised to see Steven coming out of the bathroom with his head dripping wet. "Steven, how come your head is wet?" she asked. "I want a different hairstyle," was the answer. Beth tried to help, but Steven's hair was uncompromising. At Christmas time Steven found hair gel and a new comb in his stocking and he's been working on a new "do" ever since. Seeing pictures of Steven, Patty would ask him over the phone, "Do you want mommy to send you money for a haircut? It seems like Daddy Keith isn't taking good care of you." "No mom. I just want different hair." "But mommy thinks you need a haircut. Let mommy send you money for a haircut." "No mom, I'm O.K." After letting Steven's hair grow for a short time, Keith got out the clippers and gave him a brand new look. Steven was grinning from ear to ear.

Now this may not sound "blog-worthy", but for us it's a very positive sign. For the first time in his life Steven is being allowed to create his own identity. He's gradually getting strong enough to say "no" to his mother, and he's deciding who Steven really is. Isn't it wonderful? I love it!