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Help[Games] Re: Estel's Year Game
in reply to a message by estel
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (25)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (25)
Roderick with his wavy red hair and blue eyes made the curly blonde haired, brown eyed Bethney fall in love with him from the instant they first met as young teenagers. They had a class together their first year of junior high and the teacher asked his students to pair up. Roderick ran into class late, hearing only the command to partner up. Scanning the room, his eyes fell on Bethney and he called out, "You, Miss Blondie, do you want to do me the honor of being my partner?"
Bethney almost swooned. Roderick had a reputation at their school, clumsy yet charming and able to have anyone he could have wanted. Boys and girls alike fell for him left and right and not even because he had the looks of a prince (though he had those too). The school knew Roderick as the local sweetheart and comedian extraordinaire. Funny, charming, sweet, and good looking? How could anyone pass that combination up?
Years passed before Roderick and Bethney connected as more than pals and neighbors. Bethney left for school in the UK to study biology while Roderick stayed local in New Zealand to study education. By the time Bethney returned with her fancy degree, Roderick had a fiancé by the name of Neal. She should have known, she thought, that Roderick was too good to be true for her.
However, a few months after her return, Bethney woke up to a news article on the front page about Neal's arrest for possession of child pornography. The article detailed the claims of several young children about how Neal treated them. For obvious reasons, this destroyed Roderick's relationship with Neal. Roderick called off the engagement and cut off all contact with the man, as did many others in their community. The arrest hit Roderick and their town hard.
Roderick went through several more relationships, men and women alike, before he showed up one night on Bethney's doorstep, soaked to the bone and nearly sobbing. Even though a couple of years had passed since the Neal situation, Roderick still felt the effects. Many people still saw him in connection to the criminal, despite his best efforts to prove otherwise. That day had presented him with particularly rough circumstances and he needed a shoulder to cry on. Who better than an old junior high pal?
Bethney invited Roderick in and they stayed up talking, late into the night. By the time Roderick had seemingly sobbed himself senseless, the sun had started to rise. "Why don't you go take a shower?" Bethney suggested, but Roderick felt too fragile to move, a feeling Bethney knew all too well. Instead of pushing it, she stayed with him on her couch.
A few weeks later, Roderick asked her out.
Their relationship spun fast. Only a few dates and a month into their relationship, Roderick proposed. Bethney had known since that first day they met that she loved him so the answer seemed obvious. "Of course!" They didn't waste any time planning a big, fancy wedding that neither would enjoy. They gathered their closest friends and family and within the week Bethney Short became Bethney Goode.
****
YEAR 1
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (25)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (25)
With all the scandal surrounding Roderick's previous engagement, Roderick began applying for teaching jobs outside of New Zealand. One day, he got notification from a school in the US that they had interest in him as a potential for their third grade class. Several phone interviews later, Roderick had a job.
"Babe, what am I supposed to do over there? My job is here," Bethney protested when he told her.
In reaction, Roderick buckled down and researched universities near his new school. He created a list and sent out Bethney's resume to each and every one. The next few weeks, Bethney's phone and email inboxes filled with messages expressing interest in the young researcher.
After doing her own research into the locations, Bethney returned their messages expressing either her interest or her dismay that she could not take the offered position. In a few weeks, she had her own situation settled and prepared for their subsequent move. She even felt her excitement ramping up for the change in pace.
****
YEAR 2
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (26)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (26)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (0)
Bethney had to put her research position on hold soon after their arrival in the states. Not long after settling in, she discovered that she had a new job to attend to: motherhood. Bethney had always wanted to have a family and her interest in families and the nature of breeding led to her studying biology.
Roderick, on the other hand, expressed his insecurities about having a child on a nearly daily basis, hourly once they discovered their pregnancy. Roderick feared that he would do something wrong or set a bad example for their child. "Babe," Bethney gently reminded him every time, "you're a teacher and a wonderful, wonderful man. I wouldn't have married you if you weren't." Bethney always knew exactly how to put his worries to rest.
When their beautiful, bouncing baby boy, Joel, arrived, Roderick's worries seemed to melt away. The first time he held the curly haired brunet baby and looked into his bluish gray eyes, Roderick knew love. This newfound love knew no bounds. Roderick spent all his free time at the hospital with Bethney and Joel until their release, then he bought them gifts and held Joel as much as the baby allowed him. The sight brought tears of joy to Bethney's eyes.
****
YEAR 3
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (27)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (27)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (1)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (0)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (0)
Not long after Joel's arrival, Bethney and Roderick returned to their marital activities on a regular basis, their love for their son igniting their love for each other in a way neither expected. Before they knew it, Bethney had to postpone her research position another year. Joel's status as only child would soon change.
Eleven months after Joel's birth, Roderick rushed Bethney to the hospital a few months early. Somehow, the doctors had missed a second baby growing alongside Joel's baby brother. After long hours of labor, Bethney gave birth to twins: Curtis Turner who looked exactly like Joel when he first arrived and Gerard who looked exactly like his dad, red hair and blue eyes and all.
Little Joel took having twin baby brothers hard. Even before they knew about the twin, Joel didn't want a sibling. He didn't understand what having a baby in the house meant, still a baby himself. When Curtis and Gerard came home for the first time, Joel sat in the living room and pouted. When Roderick moved Joel into a different room to make space for the twins in the master bedroom, Joel threw a tantrum.
On Bethney's suggestion, Roderick started making time specifically for Joel. It meant less time with the family as a whole, but it clearly helped Joel to feel less abandoned. The boy started smiling more and crying less. He even became interested in his little brothers, a sign that made Bethney sigh with relief.
****
YEAR 4
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (28)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (28)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (2)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (1)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (1)
Budget cuts, the enemy of all new employees.
When his school's budget dropped, Roderick became agitated. What would happen to him? He had a family to care for, three little children to feed. He went to the school board to plead his case, but they responded with little sympathy. "Everyone has family, Mr. Goode," they told him and then they laid him off, Roderick's greatest fear.
That evening, Roderick paced the length of their bedroom for hours as Bethney watched on, the boys in bed and asleep. "Babe, you're gonna wear the carpet down." Bethney's reproaches didn't keep Roderick from continuing his nervous movement. Finally having had enough, Bethney stood and pulled him into bed with her. She cupped his cheeks and looked him in the eyes, telling him that they could make it, suggesting maybe he take this time to stay home with the boys while she finally takes the research position on full-time.
"I guess that could work," Roderick gave in. Thus started his time as a stay-at-home dad.
****
YEAR 5
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (29)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (29)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (3)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (2)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (2)
"Babe! Babe! Wake up!" Bethney's excited calls and shaking startled Roderick out of his sleepy stupor one morning. A sheet of white paper, blurs before his eyes, waved in his wife's bubbling excitement. Taking it, Roderick yawned himself awake to see the words staring up at him from the page: Bethney had finished paying off her student loans. Roderick pulled her back into bed andnthe couple celebrated in the way a married couple in love would celebrate.
Roderick took her for dinner later that evening to celebrate in a less intimate fashion, inviting friends they had made to come celebrate too. The boys couldn't have cared less.
****
YEAR 6
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (30)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (30)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (4)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (3)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (3)
As a late five year anniversary and a double thirtieth birthday present, Roderick spent months planning a big trip for him and Bethney. He found the boys the perfect babysitter, a lovely young woman who lived just down the street. He did research into the places he knew Bethney wanted to visit more than anything and he found the money to ensure they got there.
The morning of Bethney's birthday, the only present he gave her sat on their bathroom sink, a card filled with suitcases and airplanes reading: "Pack up. We leave tonight at nine." Bethney bubbled over with questions, but Roderick refused to answer any of them, insisting that she wait and see for herself. He wouldn't even let her look at their boarding passes until they arrived at their gate.
"Paris! Babe, you didn't!" Bethney shrieked. Roderick smirked as he told her the rest of their itinerary, starting in Paris, travelling throughout the French countryside, making their way down to Italy where they would spend the last stretch of their month-long journey.
By the time they returned, Bethney almost wept upon seeing their boys for the first time in over a month. Gerard, always a mama's boy, clung to her all night that first night back and for several nights thereafter.
****
YEAR 7
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (31)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (31)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (8)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (8)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (5)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (4)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (4)
After a lot of discussion and thought, Roderick convinced Bethney that they should adopt. Despite his initial worry about his parenting abilities, Roderick has fallen in love with fathering, especially since he has stayed at home with the boys since losing his teaching position. He did research before he even presented the idea to Bethney. He knew he wanted to adopt a child in need of the necessities of life and who may not hit the radar of most couples. This meant older children and those with disabilities.
When they met with a social worker to get them started, he immediately paired them up with a set of twins from the African continent. Tatenda and Chiamaka have lived without parents since the time of their birth. Tatenda, a darling quiet boy, lost his sight and hearing when he fell deathly ill as a small child. Chiamaka, his rambunctious twin sister, walks with a major limp due to a birth defect. Chia refused to let anyone adopt her unless her brother came too and vide versa.
Upon first meeting the twins, Roderick fell in love the way he did when Bethney gave birth to their boys. He knew from that moment that the twins needed to come home with them and he worked his ass off until they finished all the paperwork and proceedings to make Chia and Tate officially part of the Goode family.
Tate took the move harshly. New surroundings he would never see, new environments, new people, everything felt like a crushing force on his tiny little shoulders. He refused to leave Chia's side for weeks until Bethney took him to meet other little boys who had disabilities like him. He started to feel at home after that.
Chia acted out from the moment she arrived. According to his research, Roderick believes she had no other way to express her fear. He began interacting with her in a gentler way and she soon calmed down. Chia formed a close bond with Roderick.
****
YEAR 8
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (32)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (32)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (9)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (9)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (6)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (5)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (5)
DCat: Tadala
When Tate continued to show signs of great anxiety, Bethney took him to a child psychologist to seek help. The doctor suggested getting the boy a pet of some sort to act as an emotional support. Due to his disabilities, he added that perhaps something calmer such as a cat instead of a dog which entails much more responsibility and work.
The moment the appointment ended, Bethney headed to the animal shelter. Tate played with a variety of cats and kittens but one in particular seemed to take to him best. A little tortoiseshell cat which seemed half blind itself snuggled right into Tate's lap. Bethney's heart swelled and she immediately adopted it. With help from Chia, Bethney discovered that Tate wanted to call the cat Tadala.
****
YEAR 9
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (33)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (33)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (10)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (10)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (7)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (6)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (6)
DCat: Tadala
DChicken: Monifa
One day after school, Chia raced home with a brown speckled egg, proudly showing it off to Roderick and Bethney. "It's my pet!" the little girl exclaimed, refusing to let Roderick take a closer look at it until he promised that he wouldn't hurt it. He swore he only wanted to help her figure out how to take care of it.
After doing some research, Roderick discovered that the egg came from a chicken, an easy enough bird to care for. He bought Chia an incubator for the egg and helped her make sure it had everything it needed to hatch healthy. When it finally hatched, Chia named the chick Monifa.
****
YEAR 10
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (34)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (34)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (11)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (11)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (8)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (7)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (7)
DCat: Tadala
DChicken: Monifa
After bringing Tate and Chia home and still having no luck getting another teaching job, Roderick decided that maybe this meant he should rethink his career choices. Bethney suggested he consider social work, seeing how much joy he found in helping out Tate and Chia. That one comment from his wife sent him on a research spree to understand further what the career would entail and where nearby offered the best program. He sent in application after application, hoping for one school in particular.
Finally, Roderick announced to the world that he would return to school to study social work at the school he had hoped for. Much rejoicing ensued.
****
YEAR 11
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (35)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (35)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (12)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (12)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (9)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (8)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (8)
DCat: Tadala
DChicken: Monifa
Bethney had spent the last few years working hard in her research position, doing what she loved at work and loving what she did at home when she had time with her family and children. All of her hard work paid off when one morning she received an important phone call from her boss. She spent a good hour or so tucked away in the bathroom on the phone, alternating between sobbing with joy and giggling from excitement.
When she emerged, she announced, "I'm an award winning biologist, babe!" Her boss had called to inform her how her peers had received her work with great acclaim and wished to recognize her in the year's round of awards. What a dream come true!
****
YEAR 12
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (36)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (36)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (13)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (13)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (10)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (9)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (9)
DCat: Tadala
DChicken: Monifa
With Bethney's award last year, a new university offered her a position. Her initial reaction suggested she decline it, happy with their current home and her current position. Roderick still had school to think about and the kids all had friends. Bethney didn't want to uproot her family just for her.
When she mentioned the offer in casual passing, Roderick halted thsir conversation. "Whoa, Beth, babe, you're not just gonna throw this away, right?" His jaw dropped when she told him she planned to. Roderick spouted off all the reasons he could think of why she should take it, including that he didn't want her to choose to decline of accept a job based on his current situation. He wanted her to choose based on how she felt about the job.
That evening, they began their house search. Finding a house that would fit five children, two of whom lived with disabilities, that still fit within their price range proved more difficult than they thought, but Roderick would not let Bethney turn the job down. He saw how much she wanted it and insisted they would make it work.
The next day, the perfect house appeared on the market. Within a month, they had packed up their old house and prepared to move into their new one. Moving with two disabled children came easier than they had expected, and the settling in process went much more smoothly as well.
****
YEAR 13
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (37)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (37)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (14)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (14)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (11)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (10)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (10)
ADD: Emerson Sylvia Goode (5)
ADD: Kirsten Odelia Goode (0)
DCat: Tadala
DChicken: Monifa
With all of their kids in the preteen range, Roderick begged Bethney to adopt again. Bethney agreed that it felt odd not to have any little, little ones around the house anymore so she quickly hopped onto the bandwagon. Once again, Roderick allowed the idea to consume him and all of his free time.
Their social worker paired them with two little girls, five year old Emerson and her baby sister Kirsten. Emerson had entered the foster care system by the time she reached her second birthday. When she had Kirsten, the girls' mother chose to give up all of her rights to the girls and the girls became available for adoption.
Because of her age, Kirsten settled in well, the newborn connecting immediately with her new parents. Emerson, however, took more time. She missed her mama and wanted to go home. Over time, she became more accustomed to her new surroundings. Helping with her baby sister really gave Emerson her "in" into the family.
****
YEAR 14
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (38)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (38)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (15)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (15)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (12)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (11)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (11)
ADD: Emerson Sylvia Goode (6)
ADD: Kirsten Odelia Goode (1)
DCat: Tadala
DChicken: Monifa
With two high schoolers studying American history, Roderick decided that the summer of his fourteenth year married to Bethney needed a road trip across the country. The family packed up their belongings and headed out, starting in their home state and hitting every state over the course of the summer. A long trip to take with a one year old and a six year old, the entire Goode family somehow all had the times of their lives.
****
YEAR 15
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (39)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (39)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (16)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (16)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (13)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (12)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (12)
ADD: Emerson Sylvia Goode (7)
ADD: Kirsten Odelia Goode (2)
DCat: Tadala
DChicken: Monifa
DSnake: Harry Crawler
Now thirteen, Joel returned from school one day with a special request for his parents, "Can I get a pet snake?" The question left Bethney utterly flabbergasted and full of many questions of her own. Who gave him the idea to get a snake? When did he decide he liked snakes? Why ask the question now of all days?
Turned out, Bethney discovered upon pressing further, Joel's class had their new pet snake arrive earlier that day and the creature mesmerized Joel. Always more of an outdoorsy kind of kid, Joel had a deep interest in creepy crawlies, so his desire for a snake didn't surprise Bethney or Roderick in the least.
After some discussion, the parents decided to allow Joel the desired pet. The minute Joel brought it home, he declared its name "Harry Crawler."
****
YEAR 16
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (40)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (40)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (17)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (17)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (14)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (13)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (13)
ADD: Emerson Sylvia Goode (8)
ADD: Kirsten Odelia Goode (3)
DCat: Tadala
DChicken: Monifa
DSnake: Harry Crawler
With Tate and Chia entering their senior year of high school, Roderick brought up an idea with Bethney that he had toyed with for years. His fascination with the idea sprouted during his own childhood, seeing students from other countries walk the halls of his high school. He had always wondered what that experiencemight entail but since he never had the opportunity it to experience it himself, he figured why not give some other student that chance?
"Let's host a foreign exchange student."
At first, Bethney recoiled from the idea. "We already have seven kids running around the house. Do we really need an extra person?" She brought up concerns such as spacing and finances and whether they might get along with all of the kids and how Tate or Chia might take it. "Not to mention all the animals. It's starting to feel a bit like a zoo."
Over time, Roderick wore Bethney down. He soothed her concerns with promises he only hoped he could keep. He pointed out all the benefits of having someone from a foreign country stay with them. He assures her all would end well.
When the time came for their student to arrive, Bethney prepared each child separately on what to expect. She also made up little information cards for their student, one for each of the kids, herself, Roderick, the pets, the town, and anything else she figured the young woman might need.
"Min-Su, welcome to our home!" Roderick greeted her, the start of one of the Goode family's best years. When Min-Su left, everyone wept.
****
YEAR 17
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (41)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (41)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (18)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (18)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (15)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (14)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (14)
ADD: Emerson Sylvia Goode (9)
ADD: Kirsten Odelia Goode (4)
DCat: Tadala
DChicken: Monifa
DSnake: Harry Crawler
Bethney and Roderick and the children enjoyed having Min-Su staywith them so much that the Goode family opened up their home once more to an exchange student. This latest experience didn't stand up to their first.
Mariana Guerra, hailing from Argentina, held a grudge against anyone who slighted her even in the least. She treated poor Tate miserably and seemed to find herself in competition with everyone she met. Chia managed to get on her bad side from day one. By the time Mariana returned home, the Goodes had never felt so relieved.
"Maybe we should take a break from hosting exchange students..."
****
YEAR 18
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (42)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (42)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (19)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (19)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (16)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (15)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (15)
ADD: Emerson Sylvia Goode (10)
ADD: Kirsten Odelia Goode (5)
DCat: Tadala
DChicken: Monifa
DSnake: Harry Crawler
With the kids getting older, Roderick had taken up a part-time job as a school bus driver. It gave him something to do while all the kids attended school during the day and still allowed him, mostly, to have time for them when they returned home. Mostly, it helped him feel like he had a purpose, a real struggle for him since he lost his teaching job.
With another nosedive in the economy, Roderick topped the list for people to lay off once again. For a second time, Roderick lost his job due to layoffs. "This must be a sign," he mumbles to Bethney. "I'm just supposed to be a stay-at-home dad." And stay at home he did.
****
YEAR 19
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (43)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (43)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (20)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (20)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (17)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (16)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (16)
ADD: Emerson Sylvia Goode (11)
ADD: Hadiiye "Hattie" Aysun Goode (8)
ADD: Kirsten Odelia Goode (6)
ADS: Yusuf "Joey" Hayri Good3 (5)
ADD: Melek "Melly" Rabia Goode (3)
DCat: Tadala
DChicken: Monifa
DSnake: Harry Crawler8
With Tate and Chia both gone to college on major scholarships and with special programs specifically for them, Roderick had started to feel the symptoms of empty nest syndrome creeping up on him... even though he still had most of his children at home. One evening while lying in bed, he casually dropped the idea of adopting again.
"Oh, thank God, I'm not the only one thinking that!" Bethney sighed, laughing. She had entertained the same thought for awhile, thinking about Emerson and Kirsten and how they would benefit from having more siblings closer to their own age. Having Min-Su stay with them a few years back really reignited her wish to help those in need.
So once again Bethney and Roderick approached their social worker. "I was wondering when you might come back," he joked before handing them the files of several children in deep need. From local children left at home to starve by their parents to children in other countries attacked by illness, each child seemed in need of a good home.
But one set of siblings stood out to Roderick the most: three little Turkish children. The youngest, a three year old girl named Melek, neededawheelchair, but no one could afford it. Instead, her eight year old sister, Hadiiye, would carry the tiny little twig of a girl everywhere she needed to go.
Bethney looked over the file with tears in her eyes before turning to Roderick and saying, "They're the ones."
The day Melly, Hattie, and Joey came home, Kirsten couldn't keep in her excitement. Chattering Bethney's head off, she could not stop moving. From the kitchen to the bathroom to the bedrooms, Kirsten tagged along to make sure everything sat in perfect order for her new siblings. "I can't wait till I'm not the youngest," she told Bethney just moments before the door opened with Roderick and the three siblings.
Roderick held Melly in his arms, a bright smile stretched across both faces and across the faces of the two older siblings. "Wheelchair, true?" Hattie pointed to Melly, clinging to her one little bag. Bethney could see the love and care in the small girl's eyes for her baby sister as she nodded, tears filling her own eyes.
The day the siblings all seemed settled and finally at home, Roderick scheduled an appointment with a pediatrician for Melly and they soon ordered her a wheelchair. Watching the little girl become self-mobile warmed everybody's heart. Hattie sobbed.
****
YEAR 20
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (44)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (44)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (21)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (21)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (18)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (17)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (17)
ADD: Emerson Sylvia Goode (12)
ADD: Hadiiye "Hattie" Aysun Goode (9)
ADS: Min-Jun Myeong Goode (8)
ADD: Kirsten Odelia Goode (7)
ADS: Yusuf "Joey" Hayri Goode (6)
ADS: Hye Ji-Yeong Goode (6)
ADD: Melek "Melly" Rabia Goode (4)
ADS: Su-Bin Jae-Seong Goode (1)
DCat: Tadala
DChicken: Monifa
DSnake: Harry Crawler
Only a year after Hattie, Joey, and Melly, the Goodes received a phone call from their social worker. He mentioned a family of three boys from South Korea in imminent danger, eight year old Min-Jun, six year old Hye, and one year old Su-Bin. Their father had, in a fit of violent rage, killed their mother in front of their very eyes. Their neighbors had taken them in but keeping their father at bay continued to become more and more difficult with each attempt he made.
With but a single glance at each other, Bethney and Roderick knew what they must do. "We'll take the boys," Roderick told the social worker. "Prepare the paperwork. Do what you must. The boys will be safe with us."
The day the boys walked in, Joey and Hye clicked immediately. Both six years old, they had a lot in common: both loved playing outdoors. Both loved dinosaurs and swimming. Both had very vivid dreams at night, sometimes even nightmares. Both loved their siblings more than life itself.
Min-Jun, as the oldest, had a bit of a rebellious, troublesome streak. He had some major separation anxiety after his mother's passing and his move to a new country. "Everything is different," he sobbed to Bethney when he awoke screaming one night from a horrible nightmare.
Su-Bin became fast friends with Melly. The now four year old girl had quickly gotten used to her wheelchair and whenever the little one year old asks, she would give him a ride on her lap down the hall. Melly became another protector for little Su-Bin, just as did everyone else in the Goode family.
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (25)
Roderick with his wavy red hair and blue eyes made the curly blonde haired, brown eyed Bethney fall in love with him from the instant they first met as young teenagers. They had a class together their first year of junior high and the teacher asked his students to pair up. Roderick ran into class late, hearing only the command to partner up. Scanning the room, his eyes fell on Bethney and he called out, "You, Miss Blondie, do you want to do me the honor of being my partner?"
Bethney almost swooned. Roderick had a reputation at their school, clumsy yet charming and able to have anyone he could have wanted. Boys and girls alike fell for him left and right and not even because he had the looks of a prince (though he had those too). The school knew Roderick as the local sweetheart and comedian extraordinaire. Funny, charming, sweet, and good looking? How could anyone pass that combination up?
Years passed before Roderick and Bethney connected as more than pals and neighbors. Bethney left for school in the UK to study biology while Roderick stayed local in New Zealand to study education. By the time Bethney returned with her fancy degree, Roderick had a fiancé by the name of Neal. She should have known, she thought, that Roderick was too good to be true for her.
However, a few months after her return, Bethney woke up to a news article on the front page about Neal's arrest for possession of child pornography. The article detailed the claims of several young children about how Neal treated them. For obvious reasons, this destroyed Roderick's relationship with Neal. Roderick called off the engagement and cut off all contact with the man, as did many others in their community. The arrest hit Roderick and their town hard.
Roderick went through several more relationships, men and women alike, before he showed up one night on Bethney's doorstep, soaked to the bone and nearly sobbing. Even though a couple of years had passed since the Neal situation, Roderick still felt the effects. Many people still saw him in connection to the criminal, despite his best efforts to prove otherwise. That day had presented him with particularly rough circumstances and he needed a shoulder to cry on. Who better than an old junior high pal?
Bethney invited Roderick in and they stayed up talking, late into the night. By the time Roderick had seemingly sobbed himself senseless, the sun had started to rise. "Why don't you go take a shower?" Bethney suggested, but Roderick felt too fragile to move, a feeling Bethney knew all too well. Instead of pushing it, she stayed with him on her couch.
A few weeks later, Roderick asked her out.
Their relationship spun fast. Only a few dates and a month into their relationship, Roderick proposed. Bethney had known since that first day they met that she loved him so the answer seemed obvious. "Of course!" They didn't waste any time planning a big, fancy wedding that neither would enjoy. They gathered their closest friends and family and within the week Bethney Short became Bethney Goode.
****
YEAR 1
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (25)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (25)
With all the scandal surrounding Roderick's previous engagement, Roderick began applying for teaching jobs outside of New Zealand. One day, he got notification from a school in the US that they had interest in him as a potential for their third grade class. Several phone interviews later, Roderick had a job.
"Babe, what am I supposed to do over there? My job is here," Bethney protested when he told her.
In reaction, Roderick buckled down and researched universities near his new school. He created a list and sent out Bethney's resume to each and every one. The next few weeks, Bethney's phone and email inboxes filled with messages expressing interest in the young researcher.
After doing her own research into the locations, Bethney returned their messages expressing either her interest or her dismay that she could not take the offered position. In a few weeks, she had her own situation settled and prepared for their subsequent move. She even felt her excitement ramping up for the change in pace.
****
YEAR 2
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (26)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (26)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (0)
Bethney had to put her research position on hold soon after their arrival in the states. Not long after settling in, she discovered that she had a new job to attend to: motherhood. Bethney had always wanted to have a family and her interest in families and the nature of breeding led to her studying biology.
Roderick, on the other hand, expressed his insecurities about having a child on a nearly daily basis, hourly once they discovered their pregnancy. Roderick feared that he would do something wrong or set a bad example for their child. "Babe," Bethney gently reminded him every time, "you're a teacher and a wonderful, wonderful man. I wouldn't have married you if you weren't." Bethney always knew exactly how to put his worries to rest.
When their beautiful, bouncing baby boy, Joel, arrived, Roderick's worries seemed to melt away. The first time he held the curly haired brunet baby and looked into his bluish gray eyes, Roderick knew love. This newfound love knew no bounds. Roderick spent all his free time at the hospital with Bethney and Joel until their release, then he bought them gifts and held Joel as much as the baby allowed him. The sight brought tears of joy to Bethney's eyes.
****
YEAR 3
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (27)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (27)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (1)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (0)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (0)
Not long after Joel's arrival, Bethney and Roderick returned to their marital activities on a regular basis, their love for their son igniting their love for each other in a way neither expected. Before they knew it, Bethney had to postpone her research position another year. Joel's status as only child would soon change.
Eleven months after Joel's birth, Roderick rushed Bethney to the hospital a few months early. Somehow, the doctors had missed a second baby growing alongside Joel's baby brother. After long hours of labor, Bethney gave birth to twins: Curtis Turner who looked exactly like Joel when he first arrived and Gerard who looked exactly like his dad, red hair and blue eyes and all.
Little Joel took having twin baby brothers hard. Even before they knew about the twin, Joel didn't want a sibling. He didn't understand what having a baby in the house meant, still a baby himself. When Curtis and Gerard came home for the first time, Joel sat in the living room and pouted. When Roderick moved Joel into a different room to make space for the twins in the master bedroom, Joel threw a tantrum.
On Bethney's suggestion, Roderick started making time specifically for Joel. It meant less time with the family as a whole, but it clearly helped Joel to feel less abandoned. The boy started smiling more and crying less. He even became interested in his little brothers, a sign that made Bethney sigh with relief.
****
YEAR 4
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (28)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (28)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (2)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (1)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (1)
Budget cuts, the enemy of all new employees.
When his school's budget dropped, Roderick became agitated. What would happen to him? He had a family to care for, three little children to feed. He went to the school board to plead his case, but they responded with little sympathy. "Everyone has family, Mr. Goode," they told him and then they laid him off, Roderick's greatest fear.
That evening, Roderick paced the length of their bedroom for hours as Bethney watched on, the boys in bed and asleep. "Babe, you're gonna wear the carpet down." Bethney's reproaches didn't keep Roderick from continuing his nervous movement. Finally having had enough, Bethney stood and pulled him into bed with her. She cupped his cheeks and looked him in the eyes, telling him that they could make it, suggesting maybe he take this time to stay home with the boys while she finally takes the research position on full-time.
"I guess that could work," Roderick gave in. Thus started his time as a stay-at-home dad.
****
YEAR 5
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (29)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (29)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (3)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (2)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (2)
"Babe! Babe! Wake up!" Bethney's excited calls and shaking startled Roderick out of his sleepy stupor one morning. A sheet of white paper, blurs before his eyes, waved in his wife's bubbling excitement. Taking it, Roderick yawned himself awake to see the words staring up at him from the page: Bethney had finished paying off her student loans. Roderick pulled her back into bed andnthe couple celebrated in the way a married couple in love would celebrate.
Roderick took her for dinner later that evening to celebrate in a less intimate fashion, inviting friends they had made to come celebrate too. The boys couldn't have cared less.
****
YEAR 6
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (30)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (30)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (4)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (3)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (3)
As a late five year anniversary and a double thirtieth birthday present, Roderick spent months planning a big trip for him and Bethney. He found the boys the perfect babysitter, a lovely young woman who lived just down the street. He did research into the places he knew Bethney wanted to visit more than anything and he found the money to ensure they got there.
The morning of Bethney's birthday, the only present he gave her sat on their bathroom sink, a card filled with suitcases and airplanes reading: "Pack up. We leave tonight at nine." Bethney bubbled over with questions, but Roderick refused to answer any of them, insisting that she wait and see for herself. He wouldn't even let her look at their boarding passes until they arrived at their gate.
"Paris! Babe, you didn't!" Bethney shrieked. Roderick smirked as he told her the rest of their itinerary, starting in Paris, travelling throughout the French countryside, making their way down to Italy where they would spend the last stretch of their month-long journey.
By the time they returned, Bethney almost wept upon seeing their boys for the first time in over a month. Gerard, always a mama's boy, clung to her all night that first night back and for several nights thereafter.
****
YEAR 7
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (31)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (31)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (8)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (8)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (5)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (4)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (4)
After a lot of discussion and thought, Roderick convinced Bethney that they should adopt. Despite his initial worry about his parenting abilities, Roderick has fallen in love with fathering, especially since he has stayed at home with the boys since losing his teaching position. He did research before he even presented the idea to Bethney. He knew he wanted to adopt a child in need of the necessities of life and who may not hit the radar of most couples. This meant older children and those with disabilities.
When they met with a social worker to get them started, he immediately paired them up with a set of twins from the African continent. Tatenda and Chiamaka have lived without parents since the time of their birth. Tatenda, a darling quiet boy, lost his sight and hearing when he fell deathly ill as a small child. Chiamaka, his rambunctious twin sister, walks with a major limp due to a birth defect. Chia refused to let anyone adopt her unless her brother came too and vide versa.
Upon first meeting the twins, Roderick fell in love the way he did when Bethney gave birth to their boys. He knew from that moment that the twins needed to come home with them and he worked his ass off until they finished all the paperwork and proceedings to make Chia and Tate officially part of the Goode family.
Tate took the move harshly. New surroundings he would never see, new environments, new people, everything felt like a crushing force on his tiny little shoulders. He refused to leave Chia's side for weeks until Bethney took him to meet other little boys who had disabilities like him. He started to feel at home after that.
Chia acted out from the moment she arrived. According to his research, Roderick believes she had no other way to express her fear. He began interacting with her in a gentler way and she soon calmed down. Chia formed a close bond with Roderick.
****
YEAR 8
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (32)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (32)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (9)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (9)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (6)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (5)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (5)
DCat: Tadala
When Tate continued to show signs of great anxiety, Bethney took him to a child psychologist to seek help. The doctor suggested getting the boy a pet of some sort to act as an emotional support. Due to his disabilities, he added that perhaps something calmer such as a cat instead of a dog which entails much more responsibility and work.
The moment the appointment ended, Bethney headed to the animal shelter. Tate played with a variety of cats and kittens but one in particular seemed to take to him best. A little tortoiseshell cat which seemed half blind itself snuggled right into Tate's lap. Bethney's heart swelled and she immediately adopted it. With help from Chia, Bethney discovered that Tate wanted to call the cat Tadala.
****
YEAR 9
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (33)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (33)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (10)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (10)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (7)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (6)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (6)
DCat: Tadala
DChicken: Monifa
One day after school, Chia raced home with a brown speckled egg, proudly showing it off to Roderick and Bethney. "It's my pet!" the little girl exclaimed, refusing to let Roderick take a closer look at it until he promised that he wouldn't hurt it. He swore he only wanted to help her figure out how to take care of it.
After doing some research, Roderick discovered that the egg came from a chicken, an easy enough bird to care for. He bought Chia an incubator for the egg and helped her make sure it had everything it needed to hatch healthy. When it finally hatched, Chia named the chick Monifa.
****
YEAR 10
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (34)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (34)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (11)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (11)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (8)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (7)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (7)
DCat: Tadala
DChicken: Monifa
After bringing Tate and Chia home and still having no luck getting another teaching job, Roderick decided that maybe this meant he should rethink his career choices. Bethney suggested he consider social work, seeing how much joy he found in helping out Tate and Chia. That one comment from his wife sent him on a research spree to understand further what the career would entail and where nearby offered the best program. He sent in application after application, hoping for one school in particular.
Finally, Roderick announced to the world that he would return to school to study social work at the school he had hoped for. Much rejoicing ensued.
****
YEAR 11
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (35)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (35)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (12)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (12)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (9)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (8)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (8)
DCat: Tadala
DChicken: Monifa
Bethney had spent the last few years working hard in her research position, doing what she loved at work and loving what she did at home when she had time with her family and children. All of her hard work paid off when one morning she received an important phone call from her boss. She spent a good hour or so tucked away in the bathroom on the phone, alternating between sobbing with joy and giggling from excitement.
When she emerged, she announced, "I'm an award winning biologist, babe!" Her boss had called to inform her how her peers had received her work with great acclaim and wished to recognize her in the year's round of awards. What a dream come true!
****
YEAR 12
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (36)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (36)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (13)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (13)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (10)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (9)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (9)
DCat: Tadala
DChicken: Monifa
With Bethney's award last year, a new university offered her a position. Her initial reaction suggested she decline it, happy with their current home and her current position. Roderick still had school to think about and the kids all had friends. Bethney didn't want to uproot her family just for her.
When she mentioned the offer in casual passing, Roderick halted thsir conversation. "Whoa, Beth, babe, you're not just gonna throw this away, right?" His jaw dropped when she told him she planned to. Roderick spouted off all the reasons he could think of why she should take it, including that he didn't want her to choose to decline of accept a job based on his current situation. He wanted her to choose based on how she felt about the job.
That evening, they began their house search. Finding a house that would fit five children, two of whom lived with disabilities, that still fit within their price range proved more difficult than they thought, but Roderick would not let Bethney turn the job down. He saw how much she wanted it and insisted they would make it work.
The next day, the perfect house appeared on the market. Within a month, they had packed up their old house and prepared to move into their new one. Moving with two disabled children came easier than they had expected, and the settling in process went much more smoothly as well.
****
YEAR 13
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (37)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (37)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (14)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (14)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (11)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (10)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (10)
ADD: Emerson Sylvia Goode (5)
ADD: Kirsten Odelia Goode (0)
DCat: Tadala
DChicken: Monifa
With all of their kids in the preteen range, Roderick begged Bethney to adopt again. Bethney agreed that it felt odd not to have any little, little ones around the house anymore so she quickly hopped onto the bandwagon. Once again, Roderick allowed the idea to consume him and all of his free time.
Their social worker paired them with two little girls, five year old Emerson and her baby sister Kirsten. Emerson had entered the foster care system by the time she reached her second birthday. When she had Kirsten, the girls' mother chose to give up all of her rights to the girls and the girls became available for adoption.
Because of her age, Kirsten settled in well, the newborn connecting immediately with her new parents. Emerson, however, took more time. She missed her mama and wanted to go home. Over time, she became more accustomed to her new surroundings. Helping with her baby sister really gave Emerson her "in" into the family.
****
YEAR 14
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (38)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (38)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (15)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (15)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (12)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (11)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (11)
ADD: Emerson Sylvia Goode (6)
ADD: Kirsten Odelia Goode (1)
DCat: Tadala
DChicken: Monifa
With two high schoolers studying American history, Roderick decided that the summer of his fourteenth year married to Bethney needed a road trip across the country. The family packed up their belongings and headed out, starting in their home state and hitting every state over the course of the summer. A long trip to take with a one year old and a six year old, the entire Goode family somehow all had the times of their lives.
****
YEAR 15
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (39)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (39)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (16)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (16)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (13)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (12)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (12)
ADD: Emerson Sylvia Goode (7)
ADD: Kirsten Odelia Goode (2)
DCat: Tadala
DChicken: Monifa
DSnake: Harry Crawler
Now thirteen, Joel returned from school one day with a special request for his parents, "Can I get a pet snake?" The question left Bethney utterly flabbergasted and full of many questions of her own. Who gave him the idea to get a snake? When did he decide he liked snakes? Why ask the question now of all days?
Turned out, Bethney discovered upon pressing further, Joel's class had their new pet snake arrive earlier that day and the creature mesmerized Joel. Always more of an outdoorsy kind of kid, Joel had a deep interest in creepy crawlies, so his desire for a snake didn't surprise Bethney or Roderick in the least.
After some discussion, the parents decided to allow Joel the desired pet. The minute Joel brought it home, he declared its name "Harry Crawler."
****
YEAR 16
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (40)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (40)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (17)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (17)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (14)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (13)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (13)
ADD: Emerson Sylvia Goode (8)
ADD: Kirsten Odelia Goode (3)
DCat: Tadala
DChicken: Monifa
DSnake: Harry Crawler
With Tate and Chia entering their senior year of high school, Roderick brought up an idea with Bethney that he had toyed with for years. His fascination with the idea sprouted during his own childhood, seeing students from other countries walk the halls of his high school. He had always wondered what that experiencemight entail but since he never had the opportunity it to experience it himself, he figured why not give some other student that chance?
"Let's host a foreign exchange student."
At first, Bethney recoiled from the idea. "We already have seven kids running around the house. Do we really need an extra person?" She brought up concerns such as spacing and finances and whether they might get along with all of the kids and how Tate or Chia might take it. "Not to mention all the animals. It's starting to feel a bit like a zoo."
Over time, Roderick wore Bethney down. He soothed her concerns with promises he only hoped he could keep. He pointed out all the benefits of having someone from a foreign country stay with them. He assures her all would end well.
When the time came for their student to arrive, Bethney prepared each child separately on what to expect. She also made up little information cards for their student, one for each of the kids, herself, Roderick, the pets, the town, and anything else she figured the young woman might need.
"Min-Su, welcome to our home!" Roderick greeted her, the start of one of the Goode family's best years. When Min-Su left, everyone wept.
****
YEAR 17
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (41)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (41)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (18)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (18)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (15)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (14)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (14)
ADD: Emerson Sylvia Goode (9)
ADD: Kirsten Odelia Goode (4)
DCat: Tadala
DChicken: Monifa
DSnake: Harry Crawler
Bethney and Roderick and the children enjoyed having Min-Su staywith them so much that the Goode family opened up their home once more to an exchange student. This latest experience didn't stand up to their first.
Mariana Guerra, hailing from Argentina, held a grudge against anyone who slighted her even in the least. She treated poor Tate miserably and seemed to find herself in competition with everyone she met. Chia managed to get on her bad side from day one. By the time Mariana returned home, the Goodes had never felt so relieved.
"Maybe we should take a break from hosting exchange students..."
****
YEAR 18
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (42)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (42)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (19)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (19)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (16)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (15)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (15)
ADD: Emerson Sylvia Goode (10)
ADD: Kirsten Odelia Goode (5)
DCat: Tadala
DChicken: Monifa
DSnake: Harry Crawler
With the kids getting older, Roderick had taken up a part-time job as a school bus driver. It gave him something to do while all the kids attended school during the day and still allowed him, mostly, to have time for them when they returned home. Mostly, it helped him feel like he had a purpose, a real struggle for him since he lost his teaching job.
With another nosedive in the economy, Roderick topped the list for people to lay off once again. For a second time, Roderick lost his job due to layoffs. "This must be a sign," he mumbles to Bethney. "I'm just supposed to be a stay-at-home dad." And stay at home he did.
****
YEAR 19
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (43)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (43)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (20)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (20)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (17)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (16)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (16)
ADD: Emerson Sylvia Goode (11)
ADD: Hadiiye "Hattie" Aysun Goode (8)
ADD: Kirsten Odelia Goode (6)
ADS: Yusuf "Joey" Hayri Good3 (5)
ADD: Melek "Melly" Rabia Goode (3)
DCat: Tadala
DChicken: Monifa
DSnake: Harry Crawler8
With Tate and Chia both gone to college on major scholarships and with special programs specifically for them, Roderick had started to feel the symptoms of empty nest syndrome creeping up on him... even though he still had most of his children at home. One evening while lying in bed, he casually dropped the idea of adopting again.
"Oh, thank God, I'm not the only one thinking that!" Bethney sighed, laughing. She had entertained the same thought for awhile, thinking about Emerson and Kirsten and how they would benefit from having more siblings closer to their own age. Having Min-Su stay with them a few years back really reignited her wish to help those in need.
So once again Bethney and Roderick approached their social worker. "I was wondering when you might come back," he joked before handing them the files of several children in deep need. From local children left at home to starve by their parents to children in other countries attacked by illness, each child seemed in need of a good home.
But one set of siblings stood out to Roderick the most: three little Turkish children. The youngest, a three year old girl named Melek, neededawheelchair, but no one could afford it. Instead, her eight year old sister, Hadiiye, would carry the tiny little twig of a girl everywhere she needed to go.
Bethney looked over the file with tears in her eyes before turning to Roderick and saying, "They're the ones."
The day Melly, Hattie, and Joey came home, Kirsten couldn't keep in her excitement. Chattering Bethney's head off, she could not stop moving. From the kitchen to the bathroom to the bedrooms, Kirsten tagged along to make sure everything sat in perfect order for her new siblings. "I can't wait till I'm not the youngest," she told Bethney just moments before the door opened with Roderick and the three siblings.
Roderick held Melly in his arms, a bright smile stretched across both faces and across the faces of the two older siblings. "Wheelchair, true?" Hattie pointed to Melly, clinging to her one little bag. Bethney could see the love and care in the small girl's eyes for her baby sister as she nodded, tears filling her own eyes.
The day the siblings all seemed settled and finally at home, Roderick scheduled an appointment with a pediatrician for Melly and they soon ordered her a wheelchair. Watching the little girl become self-mobile warmed everybody's heart. Hattie sobbed.
****
YEAR 20
DH: Roderick Lindsay Goode (44)
DW: Bethney Kendall [Short] Goode (44)
ADS: Tatenda "Tate" Kisembo Goode [Chia's twin] (21)
ADD: Chiamaka "Chia" Mumbi Goode [Tate's twin] (21)
DS: Joel Henry Goode (18)
DS: Curtis Turner Goode [Gerard's twin] (17)
DS: Gerard Yohan Goode [Curtis's twin] (17)
ADD: Emerson Sylvia Goode (12)
ADD: Hadiiye "Hattie" Aysun Goode (9)
ADS: Min-Jun Myeong Goode (8)
ADD: Kirsten Odelia Goode (7)
ADS: Yusuf "Joey" Hayri Goode (6)
ADS: Hye Ji-Yeong Goode (6)
ADD: Melek "Melly" Rabia Goode (4)
ADS: Su-Bin Jae-Seong Goode (1)
DCat: Tadala
DChicken: Monifa
DSnake: Harry Crawler
Only a year after Hattie, Joey, and Melly, the Goodes received a phone call from their social worker. He mentioned a family of three boys from South Korea in imminent danger, eight year old Min-Jun, six year old Hye, and one year old Su-Bin. Their father had, in a fit of violent rage, killed their mother in front of their very eyes. Their neighbors had taken them in but keeping their father at bay continued to become more and more difficult with each attempt he made.
With but a single glance at each other, Bethney and Roderick knew what they must do. "We'll take the boys," Roderick told the social worker. "Prepare the paperwork. Do what you must. The boys will be safe with us."
The day the boys walked in, Joey and Hye clicked immediately. Both six years old, they had a lot in common: both loved playing outdoors. Both loved dinosaurs and swimming. Both had very vivid dreams at night, sometimes even nightmares. Both loved their siblings more than life itself.
Min-Jun, as the oldest, had a bit of a rebellious, troublesome streak. He had some major separation anxiety after his mother's passing and his move to a new country. "Everything is different," he sobbed to Bethney when he awoke screaming one night from a horrible nightmare.
Su-Bin became fast friends with Melly. The now four year old girl had quickly gotten used to her wheelchair and whenever the little one year old asks, she would give him a ride on her lap down the hall. Melly became another protector for little Su-Bin, just as did everyone else in the Goode family.
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