The day after Colleen and Ray welcomed a little boy into their home, their lives took an unexpected turn when they found him nursing a baby in their room. This startling discovery marked the beginning of a series of revelations that would profoundly change the course of their lives. Dealing with the shock of the situation, they soon realized the gravity of the circumstances surrounding the boy and the child in their care.
Amid the chaos, Colleen and Ray struggled to maintain a sense of normalcy, with Ray trying to comfort Colleen as she prepared a simple meal for the family. However, their interest in Ben, the little boy they adopted, grew when they were confronted with the truth about his past and the abuse he suffered at the hands of his former foster parents, the Franklins.
Ben’s heartbreaking confession of the abuse he suffered shocks Colleen and Ray, who are determined to protect him and the baby from further harm. Despite their fears and uncertainties, they found comfort in their decision to seek help and sought support from Alana, a DCFS employee, who provided guidance and help navigating a difficult situation.
As tensions escalated and Mrs. Campbell and the Franklins threatened, Colleen and Ray stood their ground and refused to back down in the face of intimidation. Their unwavering
determination to protect Ben and the baby from harm demonstrated their resilience and determination to ensure their safety and well-being.
Justice eventually prevailed when authorities intervened, uncovered evidence of abuse, and held perpetrators accountable for their actions. With the support of Alana and the legal system, Colleen, Ray, Ben, and the baby were able to move forward, reclaim their lives, and find hope for a better future.
Through their courage and resilience, Colleen and Ray emerged victorious, proving that love and compassion can triumph over adversity. As they embark on a new chapter together, they remain grateful for the support of their community and the opportunity to provide a loving home for Ben and baby Grace.
Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out against injustice and standing up for those in need. By sharing their experiences, they hope to inspire others to take action and change the lives of at-risk children around the world.
The day after Colleen and Ray brought the little boy home, they discovered him in their room nursing the baby. The couple’s lives were profoundly changed by the startling revelations that followed.
Ray taunted Colleen as she opened the mac & cheese package.
“You make mac and cheese out of a box?”
Colleen threw cheese into the spaghetti and said, “He was so quiet.” “I thought he might like it.”
Ray stroked her shoulder. “He needs time to acclimate. We have him here for a day.” It could be useful though.”
Ben was invited to eat. The six-year-old went straight to his room after dinner.
Colleen wanted to talk to him because she was worried. When they walked into Ben’s room, they were surprised to see him nursing a baby.
“Ben, who’s that kid?” Colleen asked.
Ben commented, “She’s my sister,” with a scared look on his face.
“Your sister?” Confused, Colleen repeated.
“Not at all. She’s a new foster at my old house. I wasn’t able to say goodbye to her,” Ben said.
Ben objected to Colleen’s offer to call the foster care coordinator, Mrs. Campbell. “No! She is lost forever. My foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Franklin, are not kind people.”
“What do you think?” Colleen asked as she took the baby from him.
“They’re evil. “She’s going to be in danger,” Ben pleaded fearfully.
Ray and Colleen looked at each other worriedly. Ben said Mr. Franklin hurt him.
Ben was comforted by Ray. “Don’t worry. We’ll support you.”
Ben eventually fell asleep in Ray’s arms and Colleen held the baby safely.
After putting Ben’s blanket on, Ray and Colleen took the baby outside.
“What do we do?” Colleen said in a whisper. “You can’t keep a child.”
We’ll get arrested.”
“I don’t know,” Ray replied. “But I don’t think Ben is lying.
“WHERE IS?!” Ben suddenly woke up and screamed.
Ben ran to Colleen who assured him, “He’s here.”
Ben, we need a tangible solution.
How did the Franklin family act? Ray asked.
Ben coughed, “They hit me with the waist… and filmed it.”
Colleen’s horrified eyes widened. If Ben had told Mrs. Campbell, Ray thought.
No, but she must be aware of it. Ben commented, “He’s still placing kids with them.”
After thinking for a moment, Ray said, “Okay, okay, we’re not bringing her back.”
Colleen agreed. “But Ben, we can’t keep her under wraps. Another person I know works in Mrs. Campbell’s department. Colleen commented, ‘We can do something about it,’ and put Ben back to bed. Ray then gave DCFS employee Alana, “I’m sorry Alana for your delayed call.” We are in a predicament.”
*** Alana heard Ben’s story in their house. Ray asked, “Do you think Ben is lying?”
“I don’t think so,” Alana replied. “Children in difficult circumstances tend to hide reality. He told you because he believes in you.”
Alana admitted that she had her doubts about Franklin.
“Kids often move out of their house.”
“So what should we do with the baby?” Colleen asked.
Alana said, “I will approve you as her foster parents for now.”
“I’ll have to approach it with deception. But it’s my business. Keep this information to yourself.” Tell me if Mrs. Campbell calls you or anything.’
Colleen and Ray decide to keep everything under wraps and protect Ben and the baby.
The next few days were uneventful until Colleen got a phone call. She froze when she saw Mrs.
Campbell’s name.
She walked out and answered uneasily when she realized Ben was home.
“Hello?”
“Mrs. Ferguson, how are you?” Mrs. Campbell saluted.
“I’m fine. Ben is adjusting nicely,” Colleen babbled in an attempt to end the call.
Mrs. Campbell said, “I’m calling about something else.” “Did Ben say anything about his foster parents?”
Colleen said, “No, he’s not talking about his past,” trying to distract her. “I thought he might need therapy.
“I don’t think it’s necessary,” said Mrs. Campbell, beginning to worry. “But if he tells you something weird, please call me.
“Is there anything I should know about his foster parents?”
Colleen applied pressure. That was a bad thing she did!
“No, not at all. I just have to go because I’m busy.” Mrs. Campbell spoke hastily.
Ben interrupted Colleen immediately.
“Mommy, the baby is scrapping!”
Colleen was thrilled when Ben called her “mom”. Her heart pounded in terror as she hastily ended the call. Mrs. Campbell could assume she knew about the Franklins when she heard them. After that, Mrs. Campbell made several phone calls to Colleen, but she never answered.
*** “I must have become too arrogant. However, I felt that she was not being too subtle and was hiding something.” She explained every detail of that evening to Ray.
Ray sighed. It was wrong of you to do that. We were on the winning side against her and those perverts.’
Colleen said, “I know, but I already called Alana.” “She said not to worry because she’ll figure it out eventually.
“Did she tell you the baby’s name?”
Ray asked.
“No, she remains a ‘little girl,'” Colleen replied.
Ray decided to stay home tomorrow “just in case.” “The baby can’t be taken out. We have to pretend it’s not here.”
Ray prepared to pick Ben up from school the next day. The truck hurtled down the street and slowed down very close to their house as it left. After giving Ray a long, hard look, the driver drove off very quickly.
“HELLO!” Ray screamed furiously. Although Ray knew who the person was, he couldn’t be sure. He chased after him but lost him on the dirt road. When he returned home, he was overcome with fear for the safety of his family.
“This can’t go on, Alan. Ray hastily told her the whole thing when she arrived. “He was outside our house.
Alana warned, “You don’t know if it was Mr. Franklin.” “I’m close to finding concrete evidence so we can call the police and stop this.
“We are eager. Ray emphasized, “We are in danger.”
“I’ll call Mom,” Colleen suggested. “We’ll move into her house while Alana investigates.
“I’ve noticed that children are often moved from the Franklin home,” Alana continued. An adult who was with them years ago was found. I’m waiting for his call right now.
Suddenly they were stopped by a loud scream and banging. Through the living room window, Ray watched Mrs. Campbell and a couple who were probably the Franklins.
“That’s them,” Ray said, his face darkening.
Colleen reached for the phone. She yelled, “I’m calling the cops!”
Ray opened the door. “Who you are?
You’re knocking on my door, how dare you?”
“You know me, Mr. Ferguson!” threatened Mrs. Campbell and the Franklins. If you don’t let us in to get the baby, I’ll take your son!”
Ray shot back, “You wouldn’t dare – not with what we know about you!”
Alana stepped forward to take the lady.
Campbell stammered. “Cynthia, you’re the only one threatening anyone here. Please leave before we contact the police,” I say.
“We’re taking the baby!” Mrs. Franklin stated angrily.
“That would be a crime!” Alana shrugged.
“I made the Fergusons her foster parents legally.
“You had no right!” Mrs. Campbell lost her temper.
“Yes, I did. And I started checking you out,” Alana shot back.
Mr. Franklin lunged at Alana in a rage, but Ray stopped him. During the confusion, Colleen tried to dial 911, but Mrs. Franklin dropped the phone.
“WON’T YOU CALL ANYBODY? Now give us the baby!” The menace in Mrs. Franklin’s gaze sent chills down Colleen’s spine. Mrs. Franklin was a horrible, heartless mother who recorded and beat the children!
Coollen’s hands balled into fists for the first time in her life and she swung them violently at the monstrous woman.
In his room, Ben watched Mrs. Campbell and Alana argue.
“BEN GIVE US THE BABY!” Mrs. Franklin burst into tears.
“Close and lock the door, Ben!” Colleen growled. Ben closed the door and obeyed.
Meanwhile, Ray managed to push Mr. Franklin out and quickly chased Mrs. Campbell and Mrs.
Franklin out of the house as well.
“I will report you for assault!” Mrs. Campbell issued a warning.
“We will report you for trespassing!”
Colleen screamed in response.
“I already called the cops!!” They turned to face the driveway, where Colleen and Ray’s neighbors, Sarah and Andrew, were staring wide-eyed as they heard a new voice.
Ray gasped and whispered, “Thanks, Andrew.
Mrs. Campbell smiled. “Excellent! Now I can report your kidnapping to the police. Almost everyone in the department is someone I know! Only the three of you are headed to jail.” She threatened.
Not long after, the police showed up. Officer Carson appeared to know Ms. Campbell. He seemed to consider her.
“Stop!” Alana raised her voice and greeted the officer. “I also work as a social worker. And I handed the baby over to the Fergusons after learning a few things from the adopted cub. Everything is official. The paperwork is in, I promise.” She broke into the house.
“LIES!” continued Mrs. Franklin.
Ray described every detail of Ben’s insult and said, “Officer, our adopted son has revealed disturbing things about his former foster home.” He also acknowledged that Ben secretly left the Franklin home and stole the baby. “Our son was wrong about this, but his intentions were pure.
Alana appeared with papers in hand.
As she handed the papers to the police, she said, “Policemen, please take a look.”
“It’s not okay with those documents that they took our child! or how they attacked us recently!” Mr. Franklin protested, pointing to his split lip.
“Yes, it doesn’t matter what the documents say,” Mrs. Campbell argued, sweeping away the documents the officers were looking at. The Fergusons committed an illegal act. It is kidnapping and violence under state law.
Colleen shook with rage and sent Mrs. Campbell a glare. “You amaze me,” she whispered.
Ben, a young boy, appeared out of nowhere, holding a child. “I grabbed it, baby! You can’t send any more kids into that house or I’m going to jail.”
“Boy, give the baby to Mrs. Campbell,” Officer Carson ordered.
“NEVER!” Ben objected. “Mr. Franklin was beating me while Mrs. Franklin was filming! “They were showing me videos,” he said, pointing accusingly at Mr. Franklin and Mrs. Campbell. Mr. Franklin was hurting the boys in many ways.
A terrible thing. He owned his—” The boy gestured to his underwear and several gasps came from the assembled congregation.
Colleen and Ray were horrified.
Mrs. Campbell stuttered as she tried to deflect, saying, “He’s misunderstood.”
“Do you think he’s lying?” Officer Alan Tristan asked.
Alana shook her head and said, “No,” she addressed Mrs. Campbell. “I have proof of their irregular placement in foster homes.”
“Many baseless accusations are being made! I will file a lawsuit against you. Mr. Franklin has issued a warning.”
“Don’t you dare threaten anyone here, you pervert,” Ray replied. “You, your disgusting wife, and this horrible woman will spend a very long time behind bars for the harm you have caused to several children. Officers, search their residence. They most likely own the videos.”
“This document has your address right here, right? Let’s get out now. Officer Tristan didn’t go very far on the way to the car.”
“NO!” With a loud scream, Mr. Franklin tackled the policeman to the ground. The other officers rushed to help their colleague.
Officer Tristan stood up and wiped his hands. “Well, Mr. Franklin, you have just assaulted an
officer of the law,” he said.
“You are under arrest.
Officer Carson then decided to include Ms. Franklin and Ms. Campbell in the investigation. He added, “If you are innocent, you have nothing to fear,” and threatened to investigate them as well.
Ben started crying as they all left and Colleen and Ray comforted him.
Ben, you have shown such bravery. Colleen held them tight and added, “You may have saved so many more children.”
Alana gave Ray and Colleen an update over the phone the next day. “Colin, a young person, approached. he told all the police about the Franklins. They are currently searching their a house. Mr. Franklin remains in custody. Cynthia left. But running away will only make her more guilty.”
Colleen burst into question, “What about the little girl’s name?”
“It’s Grace,” Alana replied. “I’ll help you adopt her if you want.
After exchanging glances, Ray and Colleen quickly agreed.
Subsequently, police discovered tapes of Ms. Campbell and other incriminating material at the Franklin residence. This resulted in allegations of abuse and more serious wrongdoing against the Franklins and Mrs Campbell. Meanwhile, Colleen, Ray, Ben, and Grace were all starting over.
Please share this story with your friends and let us know what you think.
It could motivate them and make their day better.
This story is about a young girl who screams, “My dad has your picture!” to her new teacher you might be interested if you would like to read this one. The instructor is taken aback. Why does the girl’s father know her?
The gripping story of Colleen, Ray, Ben, and Grace sheds light on the complexities and dangers of the foster care system. What started as a heartwarming act of adoption quickly turned into a
nightmare as they uncovered the truth about Ben’s past and the sinister doings of the Franklin family and Mrs. Campbell.
During this ordeal, Colleen and Ray show unwavering courage and determination to protect Ben and Grace from harm. Despite threats and intimidation, they stood firm in their determination to ensure the safety and well-being of the children in their care.
Ben’s bravery to speak out about his experiences, despite the fear and trauma he experienced, eventually led to the revelation of the Franklin family’s abuse and exploitation of vulnerable children. His actions not only saved Grace but potentially countless other children who could have fallen victim to the same fate.
With the support of Alana and the authorities, justice was served and the perpetrators were held accountable for their crimes. Meanwhile, Colleen and Ray embraced their newfound roles as parents to Ben and Grace, providing them with the love, stability, and security they desperately needed.
As they moved forward together as a family, their story served as a reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice, protecting the most vulnerable among us, and never losing hope in the face of adversity.