Some of the hardest things we've gone through this first year of fostering are:
- saying goodbye
- recognizing and learning to deal with our many shortcomings as parents
- living with the constant uncertainty
- dealing with the bio family and their complaints
But all of that pales in comparison with what we've gained, which includes:
- hearing our kiddos say "I Love You"
- having the kids ask for more hugs, to be held, to sit on our laps
- being called mommy and daddy
- having the kids say that they love it here, that they don't want to leave
- being able to provide the kids with a stable, loving home
- teaching them the gospel
- seeing them grow, develop, and thrive in our home
- enjoying fun activities together
Fostering isn't easy, and there have been times when we've felt like giving up, but sticking it out has been worth it. When fostering is at its hardest, I remind myself that as hard as it is for us, it's a million times harder for the kids. As foster parents, we have many choices, but as foster kids, they have almost none. They certainly didn't choose to be in foster care. While we have the choice to throw in the towel at any time, these kids have no choice. Their fate is in the hands of their parents, DCS, and the judge. The least we can do is make their lives as stable and happy as possible while they wait in the limbo of foster care.
Looking forward to another year of fostering, I wonder what it'll bring...
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