2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

When Nick meets with Mrs. Littlefield at the group home in Richmond, she asks about his intentions regarding Scotty and becomes emotional when he tells her their plans to adopt him. Later, Scotty asks for some time to think about them adopting him. Did this come as a surprise? Graham suggests Scotty may be afraid of later being rejected. Why do you think he didn’t jump at the invitation?

I think that each person contributed to the possible adoption of Scotty from the group home: the lad himself, and Graham's insights gave me some ideas that I did not have on my own.

Older children who are in a group home have a hard time dealing with their fears, and there are many. Scotty didn't want to jump for joy at first. He didn't know if Nick and Sam would keep him.

My daughter had several foster children and adopted two. They were teens when she adopted them. Both told me, even today, they worry that they will find out they aren't wanted.

This storyline is breaking my heart.

Scotty is such a sweetheart and his comment that he would understand if Nick and Sam would stop wanting to be his friends had me grabbing the tissues.

@Sharon - I cannot imagine what it would be like to worry about not being wanted. Your daughter is an amazing person.

I was surprised that Scotty is so cautious and leery of Nick and Sam adopting him. It almost seems that he has accepted that he will never be adopted and had made peace with that and sees the home as his family.

Thanks for that insight, Sharon. The older kids grow accustomed to being rejected or abandoned, finding ways to protect their own feelings. It’s heartbreaking.