Finally, a Reality Check

There is an information processing problem with the CA mother of eight: her brain synapses don't fire the way other people's fire. I was entranced with the Dr. Phil interview: he would begin a sentence with 4-5 key words and she jumped in, finishing the question for him and providing her response. It was never a direct response, but a somewhat tangental mouthing of words that seemed almost scripted. There was no communication, but an endless stream of words, sort of like a religious zealot who relies on verbally forcing a listener to accept their vision of reality.

The little things, like no income, no provisions for the present 6 children, much less the hospitalized 8, the vow to return to school and get a "good job" so she can provide for the 14 children: none of it makes sense. When Dr. Phil pointed out that her potential entry-level income in her chosen field, counseling, may be about $35k annually, if she can find a job when she finally finishes her education, the response was a reference to teachers with whom she's spoken who have told her about positions that pay more. Who's going to care for the 14 children while she's at school? She wants to stay with her babies while they need her, and she'll go to school after they are all in school. And then off and running about how she knows she needs a good job to provide for her children, and she will do that because she has a plan, but first she has to bring the babies home and shower them with love, and then she'll go back to school and on and on and on. Oh, and by the way, she needs a van that will accommodate 14 car seats.

To say that she's out of touch with reality is generous, and her parents just sat there, amazement on their faces at the continual stream of generalizations, justifications, assurances that spewed from her mouth. What about the pending foreclosure? Yes, I have to find a home. What about the necessity for approximately 50 people per week to help her care for the total of 14 children? Yes, I will have to find volunteers. What about the current condition of the inadequate housing? Yes, I have to clean it and make it safe for all of my babies. What about diapers and food and on-going care for the 6 children already at home ... I have a plan. I have thought about that. I will take care of this. I love my children. These are my babies.

The birth of these 8 children is not a reality show, and the lives of 14 children are at stake. I believe that the Department of Social Services must step in and find foster homes for each of the octuplets, homes to which the children will go directly from the hospital because it is obvious that their mother cannot either provide for them or care for them, which endangers them in a way that can not be permitted. I was relieved to hear on last night's news that these children will not be released to their mother until their care is assured, which paves the path for the state to come into the picture actively.