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.