This is the final post to blogging about this season of our lives on this site.
I now have a new-found appreciation for weekends in town and months where I’m not spending 3/4ths of the month planning for a drive across the state… and carrots to lessen pain and distract.
We feel extremely grateful to have been on this journey… during the bumps, during the uncertainty, and during the photographs and the memories.
Later this month (hopefully next week) when we go to the courthouse we are not just simply signing a piece of paper and saying words before a judge.
We are committing to forever:
nurture big brother and little sister’s unique gifts,
kiss their boo-boos, put cream on their bug bites, and clean up the smelly messes that come with being sick,
listen to their ideas, give logical reasons instead of “because I said so”, and tell them “I love you” each day,
teach them life skills like budgeting (starting with a piggy bank), being grateful and content with what they have, and kindness.
Friends & Family – We could not have endured such a long journey without your prayers, texts, messages, and support.
When I began this blog I set out to share our story out loud in an effort to de-bunk misconceptions about the U.S. foster care system.
So with this last post, I challenge you with the words of William Wilberforce, “You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know.”
How you choose to take what you’ve learned to view and treat others and/or open your home and expand your family is entirely up to you.
Until further notice, I will return to few-sentence-long posts on Facebook.
With hugs and much love,
Marcy
published 8/3/2015
Thanks so much for sharing your journey. I hope it inspires others to travel a similar road – opening their hearts & homes to welcome children into their families. I thank God for placing these precious children in your care and allowing them to finally become official family. (I know they have been family in your hearts for quite some time) I rejoice for the blessings the children are receiving through your love – and for the blessings you two are receiving through theirs. I will continue to pray for your family. ♡♡♡♡
Thanks, Sharon! I agree with you 100% that we’ve been family in our hearts for well before the upcoming court hearing. I appreciate your continued prayers!
I saw your posts on Facebook and came here to read your blog. We’re trying to work up the courage to start the process of adopting through foster care. It seems so complicated as well as potentially heart-breaking, and it really helps to read your straightforward description of the process, your feelings, and what you’ve been able to tell us of the children’s experiences with the process. Thank you for sharing your story!
Hi Jenn! Our goal was to be honest, informative, and respectful so when our children read this down the road they will feel treasured. My prayer is our journey will encourage you to risk everything in the name of love. It just takes a willingness. Also… you might want to start at the bottom and work your way to the final post of our story. And if your mind wonders about details I left out, I invite you to connect.
I came across your log on Facebook. Bless you for your journey. We are also on the road to adoption, 3 years in and still no TPR in sight! Thank you for renewed hope that we are not alone, that my thought on the visits causing regression are not just “my crazy” coming through. I wish you continued healing and love. It is at times a bumpy road but the love keeps us going! Many blessings to you and yours!
Karen – How tough it is to be on the road and to keep pressing the gas pedal even when you know rocks are filling the street. You’re not alone. You’re not crazy. You’re providing a stable home and the ability for your kid(dos) to thrive in a loving home. It got to a point when I told myself if I needed to love my kids as if I was not promised tomorrow. Regardless of TPR or an adoption decree, you are mom. Embrace your role. Set a vision for the mom you want to be and love deeply. So glad you wrote and even more proud of you for your willingness to hang on!!!