New Home Needed
Paul is 40 years old and a father to Rocky.
Rose is 40 years old and a mother to Rocky.
Rocky is 20 years old and son to his parents.
Setting: This story takes place back in 1960 in the city of Orlando which is a small town at the time. Paul and Rose are parents of Rocky their only child. Rose often wondered how Paul got lots of money when he worked on the loading docks of a large warehouse. It turns out he embezzled funds from his employer on a regular basis. In January of 1960 Paul was caught red handed and sent to Prison. Rose divorced the bum after their home was confiscated to be sold. His employer wanted their money back and this was a way to get it. Suddenly both Rocky and his mother Rose have no home to live in anymore.
About Rocky: Rocky is a good natured young man who is small for his age. Rocky is just 4 feet tall fully grown. Rocky weighs only 60 pounds. His mom and dad are normal height and weight but both have very small parents. Somehow genetics made Rose give birth to a small baby boy.
Rocky is still dependent on mother and never had a full time job. In school Rocky was often teased about his small size. This led to mom home schooling Rocky completely thru high school. Rocky was smart and learned a lot at home. He went on to get a high school diploma.
About Rose: Rose is a homemaker and was a great wife. She is still a great mother and takes care of Rocky. Rose has long blond hair and is pretty. She is 5 feet 9 inches tall weighing 160 pounds. Rose never worked being a stay at home mom who ran the house.
About Paul: Paul was a criminal and hid this well from his wife, child, and employer. After many years of crime he is prosecuted and jailed.
The Eviction: On January 14, 1960 after Paul’s arrest and conviction Rose got the notice to vacate their home by February 1, 1960. Suddenly Rose and Rocky no longer have a home of their own. On New Year’s Day in 1960 Paul was arrested. In just 2 weeks Rose divorced him but was not given any alimony. Paul had nothing to give and was given a 20 year prison sentence.
This eviction left Rose and her son Rocky in a desperate situation. Rose immediately applied for public assistance of SSI and Medicaid. She is assured to be eligible but not for another 30 days after a complete investigation. The benefits are minimal and certainly will not cover the cost of a home and utilities. Rose applied for food stamps and is approved within a week.
“I am sorry for your father turning out to be a criminal,” Rose said to Rocky, “We are losing our home and have nowhere to go.” “I had to divorce him knowing he will be incarcerated for 20 years.”
“I understand mother and am shocked this happened,” Rocky replied. “Where are we going to live now?”
“I have applied for public assistance including food stamps,” Rose said, “I am waiting for a call from my case worker about a possible group home for the needy.”
“I wish I could get a job but so far I am only rejected after filling out job applications,” Rocky explained.
“It is not your fault you ended up being small for your age,” Rose said. “Eventually you will get a job in the future.”
While waiting for the public assistance to be final Rose and Rocky have started packing. They can only take their clothes and personal items. All the furniture will be sold with the home. Rose expects a call from her case worker before the first of February.
New Home: On January 28, 1960 Rose gets a call from Helen her case worker with the state of Florida. It is not easy to find a new home for a mother and son on such short notice. Rose and Rocky are packed and ready to leave within a few days.
“Hello Rose, this is Helen from the state of Florida,” Helen said, “I have been having a problem finding you a new home.” “Most places don’t want a mother with an adult child.”
“I hope you can come up with something we are about out of time,” Rose replied desperately.
“Yes I know and have one possibility for you and Rocky,” Helen replied, “I can get you a room with a bathroom at a local group home.” “The problem is Lutheran Haven only accepts females at their location.”
“Oh no! I guess that leaves us out with Rocky being a male,” Rose said.
“Maybe not if you will go along with my idea,” Helen responded, “Rocky is small and looked feminine for a male when I met him.” “We could give him a makeover and turn Rocky into Ruthy.”
“Oh no! He would not like that,” Rose said feeling surprised, “I have no money for new clothes for a 60 pound little girl.”
“The home normally don’t take children but a mother and daughter will be allowed to stay in your case,” Helen continued with the news. “I have raised 2 daughters who are adults now and packed away their clothes.”
Being desperate Rose tells Helen to set them up at Lutheran Haven. Like it or not Rocky will become Ruthy or they are homeless. It is arranged that Rose and Ruthy can move in on January 30. A van will pick them up at that time. Meanwhile they have 2 days to make Rocky into Ruthy. Helen will be visiting them in the morning with clothing.
“Thank you so much Helen,” Rose said, “You are a life saver honey.”
After the phone call Rose calls Rocky into the living room for a talk. No other options are available at this time. The SSI checks will start on February 14 and so does the Medicaid health coverage. Rose and Rocky will be moving in 2 days.
“I have good news and bad news son,” Rose told Rocky, “My case worker Helen has found us a home but there is 1 problem.”
“I am happy she found us a new home,” Rocky replied, “we can deal with any problems.”
“I hope you still feel that way when I tell you what the problem is,” Rose said looking serious. “The Lutheran Haven has a room with a bathroom and small kitchen we can move into January 30.”
“The problem is they only take mothers and daughters but not a mother and adult son because of their rules.” “They feel an adult male would be a problem,” mother continued
“You must be kidding me mother,” Rocky stated, “You want to tell them I am a girl who is not an adult.”
“Yes honey or we are going to be homeless,” Rose continued, “Helen is stopping by in the morning with some girl’s clothes.” “She raised 2 girls and has their old clothes packed and saved.”
“I don’t like the idea but guess I have no choice,” Rocky said, “this is hopefully going to be temporary.” “What is my age and girl’s name?”
“I will tell them you are Ruthy my 8 year old daughter,” Rose replied.
“I am very small and guess I could pass for an 8 year old,” Rocky said, “I don’t know if I could pass for being a girl.”
“Don’t worry I am going to give you a makeover starting tomorrow,” Rose said, “I will make you a very cute little girl.” “You will have to act the part and be very well behaved.”
