I'm still here. James isn't.

Remember James? He's the little guy who had a para educator threaten him with the police and jail about two weeks before he ended up in my program.

He's an adorable little guy, and I think I've mentioned here that he has more charisma than any five year old I've ever met. He's smart and funny and kind and quite often hilarious.

After a brief adjustment period, he has done really well in the group. Every kid likes him. He's confident, bold without being mean, and I've enjoyed having him around.

A few weeks ago Mom called our offices and told them to remove 'Bill' (her domestic partner) from the authorized pick up list.

A word about Bill.
I didn't like him, although I didn't have a concrete reason for that.
Mostly I was bothered because he smiled a LOT. Was overly hearty. But his smile never reached his eyes.

Not my problem, just a guy who could pick up one of my kids, then couldn't.

When Mom had him removed from authorized list, she didn't give an explanation or any commentary.

When I was in our offices, I asked our registrar if there was anything I needed to know or be concerned about.

I have dealt with some family issues over the years. It's not fun. And people can be really awful.

The afternoon of the day James' mom called and had 'Bill' taken off the pickup list, James told me, "We moved into a new apartment because Bill is mean to my mom."

I didn't say anything much, with stuff like that I stay as non-committal as I can. I'm available for listening, but one of the things they teach you in RRCAN training (Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse/Neglect) is to listen. Don't try to lead the conversation, don't have big reactions to anything they tell you and try to keep a straight face. Don't look shocked or inquisitive.

So things went on. Life as usual. Mom picked up little brother every day on her way to get James. Little brother was very interested in our toy selection and felt important because all the other kids knew him by name and greeted him like an old friend every afternoon.

Two weeks ago, Mom showed up with Bill to pick up James. James was surprised and excited to see him, left the building riding on his shoulders and telling him to, "Go faster!!"

I also was surprised to see Bill, but didn't show it.

Then last Wednesday, everything was different.

Mom showed up without little brother. James wasn't happy to see her, we had just gotten the Five o' Clock Box out (end of the day thing... I'll explain some other time) and he didn't want to leave.

She asked me to step into the hallway with her and immediately started to cry.

"We are leaving the state tonight, I'm so sorry, you won't be seeing James anymore. He's been so happy here, he has never liked day care before and he just loves you."

She had not gone to work that day, instead had been at home packing. The plan was for her to get James, stop and pick up little brother and then get on the road immediately. She wasn't going to tell Bill that she was leaving.

She told me where they were going, although I'd never say anything to anyone about their destination.

I am glad she was strong enough to take her kids and get away. No child should think it's okay for a partner to treat someone badly.

But I'm sad. James is a special kid. I know I won't get to learn the rest of his life story and that I won't see him anymore, and that makes me sad.