Free Wind Over Marshdale by Tracy Krauss Page A

an asset with the younger kids, so you might want to let her alternate between the K’s and her own age mates. Just my suggestion, though. You’re in charge, now. Her worker, Rose, is a gem, so you really don’t have to worry.”
    â€œOkay. I’ve had more time to focus on her file, so I pretty much have her covered anyway, but thanks. What about Brandi Lane? I’m not sure where I’m supposed to be going with her.”
    â€œBehavioral. ODD – Oppositional Defiance Disorder.”
    â€œBut her file said she has a definite learning disability, too,” Rachel noted.
    â€œWhen you’re so far behind your age mates, you’re bound to start acting out. It’s the only way she knows how to save face. Add to that the fact that she doesn’t have a very stable home life, and…” Rhoda trailed off with a shrug.
    â€œWhat do you suggest?” Rachel asked.
    â€œStart with some positive attention. Try to make friends; establish a relationship,” Rhoda offered. “Don’t be too disappointed if she doesn’t respond right away. Brandi has made a science out of being uncooperative.” At Rachel’s look of dismay she added, “Not that I’m trying to scare you or anything, but we might as well be honest. Last but not least, there is that little enigma, Robbie Nordick.”
    â€œNow, his file was actually some interesting reading,” Rachel noted, “but I must admit, I feel a little bit like Annie Sullivan. I’m not a miracle worker!”
    â€œRobbie never learned to talk because he was in the hospital with some kind of rare bone marrow disease when he was two. Even though he recovered, he somehow missed the learning to talk stage. He’s perfectly capable, but he just never learned how.” Rhoda leaned a little closer. “Between you and me, it’s more like he never had to.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œIt’s my humble opinion that Robbie’s biggest problem is his own family,” Rhoda stated.
    Rachel frowned. “Really? According to his file, his own sister donated bone marrow which helped him to recover.”
    â€œTrue. But because of the trauma, the child has been totally spoiled ever since. He’s had to do nothing but grunt, cry or scream and his family all rushes to do whatever he wants.”
    â€œWow.”
    â€œSure. It’s a common syndrome in near death cases like his. The family feels such guilt, sympathy, whatever it is, that they give in to absolutely anything.”
    â€œBut to not learn to talk?” Rachel asked skeptically.
    â€œCheck the records. No hearing loss, no vocal cord damage, he’s smart as a whip—nothing wrong with the kid but an interruption during those developmental months. Followed, of course, by several years of pampering ‘extraordinaire.’ He’s six years old, for crying in the sink! But they still treat him like he’s a china doll ready to break at any minute!”
    â€œI suppose it is only natural,” Rachel offered, trying to be sympathetic.
    â€œExcept they aren’t doing the kid any favors. Just watch for yourself and see if I’m not right.”
    â€œHmm. So what should I do?”
    â€œMy best advice is to take the hard line. The Annie Sullivan approach, like you said. Make him talk whenever he’s with you.”
    â€œWhat if the family gets upset?”
    â€œOh, they will. Don’t you worry,” Rhoda laughed. She surveyed her younger colleague for a moment. “Have I been sufficiently pessimistic yet?”
    â€œI’ll say,” Rachel chuckled.
    â€œGood. You’ve got to be tough around this place. People will walk all over you if you give them the chance.”
    â€œOh, dear.”
    â€œJust kidding,” Rhoda said with another laugh. “Don’t take everything so seriously. I didn’t mean to burst your bubble, but you’ve got to be