Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Waiting . . .

I haven't had much to report on this blog lately.  This summer some out of state travel plans and a recent surgery & ensuing recovery period for me meant that we take a break from taking any foster placements.  And although it's been nice to cherish the one-on-one time and attention we can give our daughter right now, our house just seems so empty since we're back to a one child household again.

Q:  Do any other foster parents out there (or adoptive parents going through the waiting process) get ANTSY or feel like something's missing when you're in between placements or waiting to be licensed or matched with a child?

Lately I've had an ever present sense that something (or rather someone) is missing in our home and it's such an undeniable feeling that some days it's almost tangible.


Despite our eagerness for more children in our home, I have to remind myself that each day we don’t get a call for a foster placement it’s actually a good thing because it means that kids are safe and don’t have to go through the trauma of being removed from their family.

 As for being chosen by a birthmother, we’ve had a few “leads” but nothing’s panned out, so we will continue to wait . . .  We’re getting pretty good at that.  :)

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Makes perfect sense to me...we have 3 of our "own" and 2 long term fosters with us right now. I was so horribly antsy and worried right up until they were dropped off with us...then it became second nature. Now I have that same antsy & worried feeling when they go off each week for their visits with their parents. It's very hard knowing that I can't protect them from the disappointment and rejection when Mom does not show up.

Meredith said...

Waiting, worrying, and feeling extremely ansty is a trait I think is so common in the fostercare and adoption community. We were so blessed to adopt our children from our first foster placement 2 1/2 years later. However the process of visits, the pulling back and fourth, the aftermath of disappointment in the birth parents after a visit were the worst. Thank goodness over time and continued therapy our kids only ask about their birth parents once in a while and the disappointment isn't as great as time moves on. Hang in there your forever child(ren) is/are out there! Waiting is the worst but in the end it is so worth it!!!

Beth Blair said...

My husband and I just completed the adoption of our son through foster care. Though I'm giving myself a little bit of time to get all of the little things done, like updating his school records, etc. I know we are not through and I'm looking forward to opening our home to more kids.

Unknown said...

I am so worried about this. We are nearing the end of our STARS classes and only have 1 home visit left before being licensed. My biggest concern is waiting for months and not getting a call...which makes me feel self-centered b/c if there is a call, that means a child is suffering. Sigh. Waiting game, you are no friend of mine!