I often tell you many heartbreaking stories about the lives of the boys and girls of Mercy Home. Before coming to Mercy Home, many of our youth suffered alone, not having a confidant to turn to during tough times. The siblings I am going to tell you about were very fortunate, for though they had endured many hardships, they always had one another to lean on when times got tough.

The day that Ricky moved into Mercy Home, our front hall echoed with laughter. As soon as Miles spotted his little brother, he dashed to his side, jumping over bags and dodging boxes to wrap his arms around Ricky.

The brothers had never spent a day apart until Miles, who is one year older, came to Mercy Home. Miles will openly confess that he counted down the days until he could be united with his brother.

If you ask our youngsters for a definition of “family,” many of them will be confused as to how to answer that question. Unfortunately, many of them know only broken homes until they come to our door.

This was also true for Miles and Ricky. You see, growing up, Miles and Ricky could only depend on each other. Their mother had a mental illness and so was incapable of taking care of them. As a result, the boys were forced to live with one unwelcoming relative after another.

For several years, the brothers lived in a series of run-down apartments but Miles and Ricky always knew they had each other to get through their difficult times. Even on the worst of nights, each boy knew he always had someone on his side – someone he could cry to, and someone who would listen and hold his hand.

Miles and Ricky dreamed that one day they would find a place where they would not have to be scared all the time. For Miles and Ricky, they found their dream in Mercy Home. From the day he moved into Mercy Home, Miles would ask about his brother, so our youth care workers immediately recognized the importance of keeping the boys together.

Since Ricky moved into Mercy Home, both boys have thrived, as both have been crucial in each other’s survival and happiness, which is why we thought it so important to bring them both together here at Mercy Home. None of this work would be possible without the many compassionate benefactors of Mercy Home for Boys & Girls.

During this month of April, please keep Miles and Ricky and all the boys and girls of Mercy Home in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to heal. Know that, as always, you are in the prayers of our entire Mercy Home family.

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A SPECIAL PARTNERSHIP FOR THE SAKE OF MERCY’S KIDS AND FOR OUR TELEVISED SUNDAY MASS

You can make a difference in the life of a troubled child. Fr. Scott needs Partners to pray for our kids at Mercy Home–and also faithful Partners to help broadcast Sunday Mass at Mercy Home.

By pledging your support and your prayers, you’re offering a precious gift to Mercy’s kids–and helping our community of faith join together every week.

The boys and girls of Mercy Home are very proud of the difference they are able to make just by sharing their time and heart with others. None of this would be possible without our kind, faithful supporters, for not only sharing their friendship but for also setting an example of generosity and compassion for them to follow. During this month, please keep the young people of Mercy Home and all of our generous benefactors in your thoughts and prayers.