When Eric failed seventh grade, the only thing he could think about was how his father would react. In addition to his unpredictable moods, his father also had very high standards. And when Eric didn’t meet them, his father made sure Eric knew it.

Eric’s parents divorced when he was very young. His mother never took much of an interest in his life, so Eric primarily lived with his father. But that didn’t mean he was an active parent. Most of the time, his father wasn’t even home. Instead, he would be working late or out drinking. But when he was home, his mood could change on a dime. And when he was in a bad mood, he spent most of his time berating Eric.

Eric’s father was a good student when he was in school. He didn’t understand that school didn’t always come so easily to Eric. Eric had so much anxiety about his home life that he often slept poorly. Even thinking about it while he was in class put a knot in his stomach. This made it hard to pay attention or complete his work. Sometimes, he would spend hours staring at his homework before finally giving up and not finishing it at all.

As Eric’s stress grew, his grades plummeted. It wasn’t too long until he was called into the guidance counselor’s office, where he was met by her and some of his teachers. They told him that, due to his low grades, he would have to repeat his seventh-grade year. Eric begged them not to tell his father. His reaction was so strong that his guidance counselor pulled him aside and asked if there was anything going on at home.

Near tears, Eric explained that his father judged his perceived failures, academic or otherwise, harshly. He was frightened of how he would react. His father never got physical with Eric, but it had come close. And Eric feared this would push him over the edge.

Alarmed by what she was hearing, his guidance counselor had a suggestion for Eric: Mercy Home. She explained that it was a loving, supportive home that could provide him with the help he needed to catch up in school. And it would allow him to leave the fear of living with his father behind.

Eric immediately agreed. He knew that this had to be the right place for him. He moved in soon after.

It took a little time, but Eric eventually realized that he no longer had to feel anxious about being berated for his mistakes. Even when he brought home a bad grade, our coworkers were kind and supportive. That made it a little easier to focus in school.

He also worked hard with his tutor to raise his grades. With someone to patiently explain things to him in a way he understood, Eric was able to complete his homework every night. He grades steadily began to rise.

Eric and his father also participate in family therapy together. Together, they have begun to heal their relationship.

Today, as Eric prepares to begin high school, he is filled with hope about the future. He finished his eighth-grade year with As and Bs and knows he can handle whatever the new school year brings!

Thank you for remembering Mercy Home’s children in your prayers. It makes a world of difference in their lives.