MUMMY TOLD ME NOT TO TELL

October 2010

Reece is twelve now and doing very well at home and school. He is in his second year at secondary school which is five miles from where he lives. He found the transition to secondary school difficult at first - with the large building, new routine and so many students. But with support from the school (who were excellent) and also from John and May he soon regained his confidence and settled in. Because he lives in the country a bus comes to collect him and the other children from the outlying villages. Reece thinks this is great fun - much better than going in a car or walking to school.

We see Reece twice a year: at the summer outing and Christmas party arranged by Homefinders fostering agency. Although Reece isn't in foster care my agency invites children who have been fostered by the agency's carers. John, May and Lisa always make the journey to meet up and we get a big hug from Reece who is always pleased to see us. He's growing into a really nice boy as I always knew he would.

I have not heard any more about Reece's mother Tracey or her partner or new baby. The last time I saw Tracey and Gary was at the time mentioned in the Epilogue of the book. Because I am no longer fostering Reece there is no reason for me to be told details of his natural family. It's possible I may bump into Tracey in the High Street again - as far as I know she still lives in the area. Despite everything I feel sorry for her - coming from a dysfunctional and abusive home she didn't stand a chance. Fortunately Reece was taken in foster care just in time and therefore does stand a very good chance of leading a fulfilling and happy life.