This post has been delayed for a while. I have had to do lots of difficult processing. One week ago today, our precious foster boys were transferred by the court out of our home and to a family member.
This is something that is perhaps more common in foster care than we have experienced, but for us it was a first. We were very sad for many reasons, most of which we cannot discuss, but a huge factor was simply that we love them both, and in a very short span of time, they grew to love and accept and bond with us as well.
Don’t get me wrong – a baby and an energetic toddler are a whole lot of work for people our age, especially added to our seven. I wouldn’t have been able to handle it without Jacob as my “manny”! It was chaotic and loud and there were plenty of extra stressors while they were with us, as much or more because of the DCS-related disruptions, appointments, visits and meetings as due to the little ones and their care. But that goes with the territory. You know it’s going to be hard when you sign up.
But no matter how prepared we were, when those beautiful souls walked out the door they took a big chunk of our hearts. There were, and have been, a lot of tears. Tears and prayers for God to pour out his mercies on their lives and protect them, love them for us, and keep them in His watchful care.
Here are pics from the last park day with all the kids, on January 1st.
