Most of our friends and family have tracked our foster care journey. We are so thankful for the collective “you.” In many ways, you have all been on this journey with us. Many from the beginning and many have joined at different points.
You were excited with us when we brought cutie bug home and just a few weeks later again when half pint joined us. You celebrated with us when the twins came home and when they turned five at the pumpkin patch. You were thrilled when little man came to us and probably laughed at all the stories about my first newborn experiences. You mourned with us when the twins painfully left us. Again, you were so supportive when little cub and little bear joined us. Recently, you were exuberant right along with us when little cub joined his brother little bear and both were reunified with their mother. You brought us food, watched our kids, listened to our fears and joys, extended grace, prayed with and for us, and generally just supported our family (whatever that looked like at the time.) I know for certain that living this life would be impossible without the people that make up our tribe. I don’t have the correct words to express the gratitude that I have for you. Thank you from the depths of my being.
Our journey is not over yet. Yesterday, we received notice the judge has terminated the parental rights for both of Little Man’s first parents. This is a huge turning point. This was a huge moment. His life has forever been changed.
Ryan and I are so incredibly ecstatic about this decision. We have been waiting for this day for weeks if not months. The decision came earlier than expected which was a wonderful surprise. Even through the complete excitement we did have a few moments of sorrow. Not for us but for the baby and I’ll be honest…for his first family. Yes, they made certain choices to do or not do certain things and their actions could have changed the case. Yes, I believe that they got a fair shot. However, it is still a loss. It is still pain. Little man has absolutely no idea what has happened. He is too young and truthfully he does not know his first family apart from strangers. However, it is still a bit sad for him. Regardless of whether he is aware or not, this is a loss that he will one day have to accept and heal from. So, while we are over the moon with excitement, we have to take a minute to recognize the hard feelings.
There are still some important steps to go, but we have surpassed the hurdle. There are still some T’s to cross and I’s to dot. We start a new season of waiting now. This time though, we don’t wait with fear. We wait with hope and peace.
One day in the foreseeable future, Ryan and I will become paper parents. We will legally and officially be parents and finally have the legitimate titles of mom and dad. Little man will have a family. He will (continue) to be loved and spoiled. He will again be a son but this time it will stick. One day soon.
Our journey in both the foster care and now adoption worlds are just beginning.
Love>DNA
Koko
