backlog

Since I had some time before I have to start my taxi service I figured I would give some of our past history. Since we began taking foster children, we have had 26 children in our home. Some for very brief stays, and some for longer. Our very first placement nearly sent us packing . She was 5 yr old and had already witnessed WAY too much in her young life. Miss M had RAD ( reactive Attachment disorder) I had received just enough training to recognize what it was, but dealing with it in real life was much more difficult than presented. Needless to say, it was a very rough 6 months. One great thing I remember was how the little things can make such a big difference. When Miss M came to us, she had very little. The clothes she had did not even really it her, and since she came in August, she would need clothes for school when it started. We took a trip to various stores where she got to try on lots of things and pick out those she liked. IT was amazing to see how thrilled she was as she would come out of the dressing roomand twirl around in front of the mirror looking at herself. I think she had more fun just trying on all the clothes that day. Sometimes we take for granted those simple things in life that many of these children have never experienced.
WE had Miss E and little S who came to us right before Easter. They had never colored easter eggs before. The H sisters went with us on a motorhome trip to a race and still talk about that when I have run into them . Being able to share our lives and activities with these children is such a joy. To see them kneel down at the coffee table before bed, knowing that we need to say our prayers before we go to bed. or patiently sitting at the table with their sandwich for lunch waiting to say a blessing on the food. To see a parentified little 2 yr old just be able to 'play" and even smile for the first time in weeks. To see MR j learn that he CAN put his own shoes on, and he CAN get dressed is a great blessing to be a part of.
YEs, I am very well aware tat with foster children especially, that "love" doesn't fix everything.
BUT, it consistency, love, caring and determination can move mountains for these children. The safety and structure that we can provide for them is a great source of comfort, even though it make take some time for that to show through.
Now, our experience is with children 5 and under, so it may be different with teens, as it is with my own children who are now teens.
AS I have talked to teens who have been in the system, they all comment how it was those who took an interest in them, that made the most impact.
Well, It is time to resume my taxi service so , so long for now.