A Temporary Parent

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Yesterday, the courts granted us custody of two young ladies who are dear to our hearts.  At the ages of 7 and 12, they've seen their share of heartache.  The court has entrusted them to us until October, when we will meet again to decide what's next for their future.

Yesterday was both joyous and sad.

We were thrilled to know that we had a plan and that the girls would be with us while their mom works on getting better.  We've watched the girls begin to thrive and feel safe.  We know their quirks and can anticipate (most of the time) what they need in order to feel emotionally secure.

And yet, my heart was heavy because I knew that our good fortune meant that another mother, their mother, was going home brokenhearted.  It was not the outcome she was hoping for.

For now, she is not the one who gets to give kisses goodnight.  She is not the one who gets to sit at the dinner table listening to the highlights of their days. She is not the one who gets to read bedtime stories.

For now, we have those privileges.

And I know she wishes it were different.

It is my hope that she will someday understand why we took the steps we did.  I hope for right now that she will trust us to do everything in our power to nurture her daughters and help them grow while she works on healing herself.

Being a parent is hard work.  Being a temporary parent of someone else's child brings tremendous responsibility.  I pray every day for guidance and strength to do what's best for two very precious girls.

Comments

  1. You have my sincere admiration for doing what you are doing. I know we all see kids everyday who are in the same spot as those two girls. Unfortunately, so many do not have a "Julie" to take them in and show them what a family is. Prayers for you, the girls, and especially their mother.

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  2. God bless you for the goodness of your heart and for sharing this poignant time in your life. I add my best wishes!

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  3. Praying for all of you tonight…

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  4. Blessings as you move forward with faith to nurture your dear girls. And prayers for their mother that she can move forward with her own healing

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  5. This is hard and sad ... and beautiful. Despite everything they've had to live through, your daughters are lucky to have two moms who care about them, who want to be giving good night kisses. Thank you for thinking about how the first mom is feeling tonight. That touched me.

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  6. You are so compassionate to see through their mother's eyes. I have had a good number of foster kids in my class. You just want to hold them tight and pray for their moms and dads. What a tough and rewarding job you have taken on.

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  7. I can't imagine. I am sure it is so many different feelings. I wish you all the luck. Those girls are lucky to have someone who cares.

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  8. Your words tear at me. I will pray for strength for all involved.

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  9. I can't help but think of Lynda Mullaly Hunt's book One for the Murphys. I cried so much for the foster mother at the end. I have only this to rely on for understanding, but I do know the power of a mother's love. These girls have a great deal to work through, and I am so glad they have you and your precious husband to love them through it.

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