I decided to surprise myself... and to swing out and be brave... i woke up this morning and of course the first thing I do is remember its the 30th... Nine months today... I spent some time feeling very sad... wondering and fearing again the depression that has always plagued me... but never more so than since October 30, 2006.... I was watching animal planet... "Growing Up Baboon" thinking how I'd like to have something to nurture... that's why I got Piper... and he's well nurtured... but I still have some love to give... and I'm going to look into foster parenting... We have a big too quiet house... some lonely would be parenters... a great school district... and a willingness to learn... and to teach... and most of all to love... And I feel better... I do think among all the mistakes I made... I love... well??? I am not sure... but continually... and perhaps that's what I can give... I want to... that's got to be the first requirement... so if any of you are foster parents and have some ideas... please share them... Would I be too sad? I worried about that... Am I too old? Will I be patient enough... These children have already been through a lot... I know I have to read everything I can... ask questions... take classes... Will I be too strict??? That's a real concern... again... read, ask and learn... I'm willing...So I am going to put up my green smiley... because today is the 9 month anniversary... and I have come a long way... and Cara has come with me... That's good! Also my daughter in law... she's the one person who listens and doesn't try to make me feel better... She's awesome... I have things to smile about... Thank You also to my friends here at DS.... You are a blessing... Hugs Elissa
Replies
9 months, I can\'t imagine! Kudos for you and your continued progress on the up! love you always...
I think it\'s too soon to do that. That might be the wrong thing to fill the void with. just my opinion.
Thinking of you and your beautiful Cara today. I\'ve thought about us being foster parents, have friends who are, family who work to shelter kids in crisis. I worry about the same things you have mentioned here, and also about how I would react to having to give a child back...would it be like losing my son all over again in some ways? Would I be able to send a child back if I didn\'t agree with the court\'s judgement? Of course I would have to but what would that do to me now after so much turmoil with the justice system these past years. But I still think it\'s something I might do...or at least mentor kids in some capacity. I think you have much to offer children and would be a great foster mom! Love you!
{{{hugs}}} you do what you need to do for you! i\'m thinking of you, honey. i\'ll back ya with whatever you decide to do and help any way that i can. i love you, Elissa! hugs Cara!! ~~ charlayne
Fostering a child is one of the most precious gifts you can give a child in need. I know because I was a foster parent. My Duan, now 15, came to us when he was just 2 days old, he lived with us with all of the uncertainties of the possibility of going home to his biological mom, but needless to say when he was 5 years old he was put up for adoption and became my son. I have had other children come and go, not many because for me it was hard. To love and to bond and then to give back. I still have a god daughter that was a foster child and she still calls me mama lora. I am 50 years old and I intend on checking in on it here where I have moved too. I feel that it is a calling for me. I have a very big heart and regardless of the child even if it is for a little while they deserve to share love from someone who is willing and able to give it. Dont go into thinking it is permanent and it will be fine. You love them and care for them and sometimes they stay and others go but know with the love you give them they will carry that where ever they go. Just my opinion but if more people like us just put the foot forward to share what the Good Lord gave us there would be less children in need of homes. Good Luck
Please know that I am praying for you today. Erin
I think you are amazing. Your generosity and heart are awesome. Thank you for being you, Colleen
Elissa, I think you have alot of love to give. I think you would make a great foster parent. And Cara will help you every step of the way. Lots of love, Jake\'s mom, Kathy