Be ready to get annoyed. Or at least shake your head.
OK. Ready? Heeere we go.
Two people, Paul and Brandy Romero, wanted to sell their cockatoo for $1500. So they placed an ad in the local paper.
Donna Greenwell called and said, hi. I'd like to buy the bird. But wait -- there's more! Greenwell told the Romeros that she was taking care of three children that weren't hers, and she offered to sell the couple two of them for $2000.
I'll just quote the next part:
"The parties allegedly negotiated a trade involving the two kids, the bird and $175."
Some tipped off the appropriate authorities, the kids were placed in foster care, and the adults involved were arrested. The charge is "aggravated kidnapping," according to CNN.
So what the hell, right? Here's a twist I didn't see coming. "The children were well taken care of when they were with the Romeros, who badly wanted children."
I know this is going to sound insane. But if someone can find a couple to take care of children whose parents are unable to care for them, as it sounds like these kids were, is there a way to make that happen? Should there be? I know, adoption, foster care. But I don't think I can choose the parents in a situation like that.
Lots of questions, of course. How did the three kids come to be living with Donna Greenwell, a truck driver who is not related to them? In case you were curious, the third child was "placed" with another Louisana family, although no one seems to know if there was "bartering" involved with that one. No word on any birds either.
I know it's morbid, but I have to admit that I would love to hear that phone call. "Hi, I'm calling about your bird for sale? Mm-hm, mm-hm. Well, while I've got you on the line, would you be interested in these two kids I'm taking care of?"
All kidding aside, it's a terrible situation and I hope everyone ends up OK. Sometimes you have to laugh to stay sane.
Source: CNN
Image: sxc.hu
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