Part of me is glad that this issue has finally been addressed. This house has been an eye sore and the "kid" (he's 19) living there has been nothing but trouble. However, a larger part of me feels so sorry for them. What got them to that point and why did no one help?
Back story, which is not coming first hand. When we moved in 9 years ago, the story was that the girl who lived there at the time was wild. Her father had passed away, her mother was in such a state of depression that she couldn't function, and the little brother was 10. Not a great kid, but not bad. Girl turned her life around and got out once she it 18. Life for the boy went downhill. Lots of trouble with school. Lots of trouble with the law. Where was the help? Where was social services? If the schools and police knew there was a problem and no parental support, why did no one step in?
Two years ago, the boy was removed from his mother's care temporarily, but it only lasted a week. It's him who I feel sorry for. My life would fall apart without my husband, but, having two kids, I know I'd need to at least be functional for them. The mother just gave up on life. Problem was it wasn't just her life she gave up on.
My hope is that the boy turns his life around like the sister did. Even though I didn't know these people personally, I always tried to be nice when I saw them. I thought the boy just needed a friendly face. Maybe he needed more than just one.