The last time I saw Sam he was a 15-year-old boy with heavy, black framed glasses wearing an ill-fitting suit. He had on an old-fashioned necktie with a big knot and dress shoes that were too big. He solemnly shook my hand and said, “I’m going to do good, Joy.” I got kind of teary and told him I truly believed he could.
Then he left.
Sam's journey with Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch had started almost two years prior. At 13 years old, he was without parents and was not doing well in his foster home. He was obviously very smart, and tried to be charming. But, he had experienced hurtful abuse, and had learned that lashing out was how you went through life.
As soon as Sam came to the Ranch, he started asking questions. Why this schedule? Why these groups? What kind of classes? However, his greatest discoveries were the Bibles he was given: both a traditional Bible and an Action Bible. He started with the Action Bible but soon wanted to read the “real one.” He wanted to attend church often, and in the denomination he had heard that his grandmother practiced. Ranch staff and teachers took turns taking him to services off campus.
Studying the Bible led to more questions. I remember one day, walking by one of the administrative offices, and a care staff was leaning in the doorway. At the desk was the office occupant. Sam was sitting across from her and our IT Director, a man of great faith, was sitting on the floor. They were discussing a passage in Matthew that had raised particular questions.
About halfway through treatment, Sam moved from one of our campuses to another. In that way, his grandmother, who had not been in his life, could visit him. She had seen the hard work he was doing, and was willing to provide a home for him after care. She began to participate in his treatment. She began to love him.
After completing treatment, Sam went to his grandmother’s home, but continued to attend school at the Ranch until the end of the school year. The day I saw him in his suit was his last day at the Ranch. He had dressed up to say goodbye.
Last week he visited. I wasn’t there but I saw the picture our Ranch staff took with him. He is a handsome, 18-year-old man in wire-rimmed glasses with a big smile. He graduated from high school early and works three jobs to help Grandma. He bought a car. He is enlisting in the National Guard.
We were both right. He done good. I knew he could.
Please keep our kids and staff in your prayers.
In His love,
Joy Ryan, President/CEO
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch
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