Initially, we were going to adopt and be a happy little family. You know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men......
When we first talked about fostering, Amanda was against it. She did not want to deal with the "loss" when foster children left. I was of the opinion that it was a wonderful opportunity to have a positive impact on these children. I still feel that way, but I am a bit more reserved after learning more.
That's not to say that I don't think it's a good thing, just that it's going to be pretty thankless. The age range we are looking at (0-5) don't really understand what is going on. They only know that they are not at home anymore. They don't understand why. They will act out and test the limits. We will have to deal with children that have been abused, neglected and sexually abused and all the backlash that comes out of that. It will more than likely be the worst of the worst, since the powers that be step in and actually do anything.
There is no doubt that it will be rough when they first arrive. Hopefully, we will have the patience to let them adjust and get comfortable.
I still have the hope that each child will leave here with positive, loving memories of their time with us. Learning what it is like to be loved and cared for and to not accept any less from their parents, biological or otherwise. I think that is all we can hope for and the best we can do.
If it all goes well, we have the opportunity to touch so many lives.
I won't say I am not excited about it, but I am somewhat more reserved than I was.
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What you are about to embark on is an incredibly positive journey.
ReplyDeleteYour temperance and continued thoughts on this subject are much looked forward too.
It does seem like a very tough thing to do, and I'm sure the classes you and Amanda had to take were quite eye-opening. I think it's wonderful that you are doing this, and I believe that the children will take with them so much love and caring and self-worth (even if they don't know it at the time).
ReplyDeleteYou know, babe... A certain Mr. Brady told me once that if you've changed the life of one child - just ONE - you've changed the whole world. Changing the world won't be easy. I'm also relatively certain it won't be the toughest thing we've been through. But we can totally do this. All it takes is a little faith.
ReplyDeleteYou have such a comprehensive and compassionate outlook on each topic you tackle. ANY little human to come into your home will be better for it.
ReplyDelete@Wife Type Person:
ReplyDeleteYes we can!
It sure seems like a huge undertaking and a huge blessing, I'm excited to watch both you and your wife navigate these waters ... and hopefully be richly blessed in the process.
ReplyDeleteThis is incredible. I have faith that you will truly make a difference in these special lives. I hope you get as much out of it as the children surely will in your loving home.
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