A giant, in the minds of many in the Valley, Nick Dugus, chooses not to smash a bug in a bush but instead adopt this little 12-year old. Yes, Mr. Dugus stands six feet six inches and noticed something rather strange as he was driving and noticed a child hiding in a bush. As he got out of his car and interacted with this young, lost child it was clear that this little guy was a run away and struggling. The child who had been taken into custody often was fearful of adults turning him back in and typically would run away. Yet, as the Giant talked to this little ‘bug’ he gave him his cell phone number and said call me when you need help. The story unfolds as the little guy within a minute calls Mr. Dugas.
This story which was highlighted in the Arizona Republic this Sunday showed the impact that one person can have on the life of an at-risk youth. Clearly, this little bug could have been left to fend for himself in the bushes of the Valley. Mr. Dugus drives back and gets the youngster. He had to promise to not call the police. Initially, the Giant takes him into his home and helps the youngster take a shower and get new clothes. The sad fact was that Mr. Dugus found the evidence of this little one being beaten with 63 lash marks from the dad hitting him with an antenna from a car.
The following two-year journey and battle to adopt this little bug came back to a revolving door of case workers, like a total of 11. The reality is that too often single men are viewed as an unviable option for adoption. The nickname ‘Bug’ came about as the Giant interacted with this little guy. He actually had the judge make ‘Bug’ his legal middle name. I applaud Karina Bland for making this her story and highlighting the journey of these two unlikely characters to become the heart felt story for the AZ Republic front page on a Sunday.
The sad fact is that we live in a society where too many are complacent in life and not willing to ever consider the impact that becoming a foster parent or eventually an adoptive family can have on someone like ‘Bug’. I also understand the journey of adopting where we fought between different counties in California and the all too common revolving door of changing case workers. Now 30 years later I can’t fathom what my life would be like without my daughter and son!
The lesson of the story is that the forgotten who are both fatherless and motherless need your help! Please stop and consider, regardless of your age and marital status in life, how you can help a child or teen who is lost in the system. I too am outraged by the babies, children and teens that have been separated from their parents at the border. It’s past time to speak up and do something that will make a difference.
I know that as Bug grows up he will continue to brag about his new Dad that literally saved his life. Yes, the little bugs that hide in the bushes need our willingness to first notice them and then choose to do something and not wait for someone else to step up!
No comments:
Post a Comment