Today we had to say goodbye yet again. D and A returned to live with their biological parents. I have now said goodbye to 8 different foster children and 1 biological child in less than 18 months. D and A lived with us for the longest (13 of those 17 months). Since they lived with us the longest they also acquired the most stuff. They each had 2 birthdays and 1 Christmas while living here.
We knew that they were going back today so we planned some fun things for this week. Tuesday night we had friends over and the kids had a blast playing together. I know D will miss her friend Emma. We all went to bed late (well they did, I went to work). Wednesday when D got out of school we headed to Arlington to go to the Texas Rangers game. My Rangers got their tails kicked but the looks on the kids faces and hearing them talk about it made it completely worth it. We spent the night in Arlington that night and headed home yesterday. Yesterday evening we spent the evening at the pool and had pizza and cookies. The kids had so much fun swimming and A was becoming so confident and even jumping into the big pool. We also packed most of their belongings yesterday evening. Last night we made a pallet in the living room floor and let them sleep in there and watch TV until way too late :) Today we went to lunch, bought a new Wii game for D to play and finished packing their things. We spent lots of time wrestling on the floor, giggling, and enjoying time together.
CPS showed up at 4:30 and within 15 min their belongings were packed in the car, we had kissed them goodbye and they were gone. These two children have made us better parents and better people. They have blessed ours and our family and friends lives. They are beautiful little people and I love them! I pray that they are able to stay together as a healthy family and the children won't be hurt again. I'm not 100% or even 75% sure that will happen but I must trust God and his plan. D and A's mom does want us to continue to have some contact with the kids. We are hoping to spend some time with them once every month-6 weeks. This was a shocking thing to us because before Wednesday the mom wouldn't even hardly talk to us and looked at us like we were evil. Please join us in praying for their family that they can stay together, safe and loved. My heart is heavy and I am tired of saying goodbye.
What a strong and wonderful woman you are to continue to have to let go of so many kids time and time again. I know that all of those children that pass through your doorway will leave feeling so much love and confidence from the upbringing you provided for them no matter how long or short their stay was! You are truly an angel sent from Heaven for those kiddos! I pray that they are returning to a healthy family that is ready to try and raise them again. If not, then I pray that they find their way back to you just as soon as possible.
ReplyDeleteLove to you!
xoxox
I am so very sorry you have to get so good at saying goodbye. My heart breaks for you. You are a wonderful mommy to so many. No matter how long you have them I know you have left a lasting impact on them. I so admire you and your dedication to serving children. I am praying for the kids safety and your broken heart. Big hugs my friend. YOU are a HERO!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteFrom one foster parent to another, I know there is nothing I can say to comfort your heart during this time of sadness and loss. Know that I am lifting you up in prayer right now and I pray that God would be your ultimate comforter. Also praying for D and A's transition as they return to their "family." Trust that their time with you was for a purpose and it was not in vain. Thank you for your selflessness and sacrifices as you loved those children without abandon.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine how it feels to say goodbye to kids you've cared for for so long. I work in a very low socio-economic neighborhood as a teacher and I often feel like I'm a mom from August to September. It's heartbreaking knowing that some of my kids are going home to houses where their only meal will be their free lunch at school (and that they probably won't eat over the weekend). I've always thought that being a foster Mom would be such a wonderful thing to do, but it takes such a special kind of person to do it. I really really look up to you!
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