SLICE #28- SALVAGEABLE?

The boys have lived with me about a month when their social worker 

(who shall remain nameless)

comes to visit.

We discuss the boys' adjustment, 
review summer plans,

and sign the monthly paperwork.

The appointment is almost over, 

when the social worker asks a question.

"So," she says conversationally, 

"Do you think they are salvageable?"

I am socked-in-the-stomach-stunned 

by her choice of words.

Salvageable is a word used to described

Overcooked casseroles, 

wrecked cars,

and ships that have sunk 

to the bottom of the ocean.

Salvageable is not a word 

that should ever be used to describe children. 


I think I manage to stammer
something to the effect ,
that of course they are salvageable.
They are children,
yes children, who have been through very hard times
and have the life bumps and bruises 
to show for it
but of course they are salvageable.
I would not be doing this
if I did not think that they were salvageable.

After thinking about it  for nine years, 

I think I might say, 

"When you talk about my children,

please feel free to use words like…

adorable, 

enjoyable,

 malleable,

valuable

and

perhaps a little unpredictable.

You can use words like 

quotable

and remarkable

if you like. 

Hopefully someday you will describe my boys as

responsible,

respectable,

charitable

admirable,

and of course, by then 

remarkable

will definitely apply.

If you want to,

we can talk about a system,

Or maybe a society,

That allows children 

to suffer

As irresponsible

inconceivable,

or reprehensible.

But please,

don’t ever ask again

if my children

or any others 

in my care

are salvageable.