Certainty. It’s something that, as a parent, I work hard to achieve. To be honest, I spend a LOT of time trying to get there. I want to be certain that my kids are excelling in school and making great friends and progressing as they should. But I know, deep down, that certainty in parenting is a mythical creature.
How much more so in foster care. My family has been a foster family for nearly six years, and I can say with certainty that it is a roller coaster of a ride! I think my most-used phrase when we are fostering is, “we’ll see.” Because there’s not a lot to be sure of in foster care. But there are a few things to be sure of, and I’ve learned to go with the flow and celebrate the victories, whether big or small.
Of This I’m Sure:
- My agency will make the placement call when my pantry/grocery supply is at its lowest.
- I’ll get attached.
- I’ll look back at the period of time that we had a certain child, and I’ll be unsure how we managed it all.
- My agency will call again.
- I’ll say yes.
- I will again come to the point where I’m not actually sure how we will do it. But we’ll find a way.
- What I think is going to happen probably won’t happen, or (for certain) won’t happen on my preferred timeline.
- It will be hard for my kids. And it will be good. So good.
- It will be hard for me. And it will be good. So good.
- I will be reminded that I’m not in control. But that instead I’m called to be faithful.
- There will be a lot of waiting. And a lot of paperwork.
- I will be surprised. Surprised by what the sweet one doesn’t yet know. And surprised by what he or she already knows all too well.
- I will have unanswered questions. Lots of them.
- I can’t do it on my own. I need others around me to help and encourage and bring food and babysit and walk alongside through all of the craziness.
- This child will be part of our family and living in our home for just the right amount of time (and I don’t know what that is).
- My heart will grow, and so will my capacity to love.
- These sweet ones need a safe place. Maybe for a week, maybe for a month. Maybe forever.
- There’s room at my table for a few more.
May is National Foster Care Month, and I invite you to learn more about what I have come to learn is a great need in the Rio Grande Valley. Check out the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services site for more!