Email has no background noise. Email has no voice tone. Email has no body language.
So, I can be stressed to the max, my blood boiling, near hyperventilation, with kids screaming in the background at me while I write something like, “Have a great trip. I know you’re going to love the kids. Call me if you need anything. I’m sure you’ll have a great time.”
Email is awesome.
So, I can be stressed to the max, my blood boiling, near hyperventilation, with kids screaming in the background at me while I write something like, “Have a great trip. I know you’re going to love the kids. Call me if you need anything. I’m sure you’ll have a great time.”
Email is awesome.
2 comments:
E-mail also does a good job of hiding cockatoos screaming in the background.
I've been reading your blog for quite some time, and I often I wonder how you ever manage to convince anyone to adopt, especially when it involves older kids or sibling groups. FosterEema and I have been kicking the idea of an older child adoption around for several years, but after reading the stories of extreme behavior that you (and Cindy) deal with on a daily basis, we've had to admit that we aren't prepared to take on kids with such profound needs.
We aren't interested in babies or toddlers, so I expect we'll simply continue to foster, at it gives us an "out" if things go badly. If a kid is having trouble, we can call in the cavalry (aka the mental health team, counselors, tutors, etc.) for help. If the child's behavior becomes too extreme, they'll move the kid to a more appropriate setting.
I hate to admit it, but we have already had one blown placement in the short time we've been fostering. It was terrible and traumatic for all of us, even though we all knew it was temporary from day one. The 11 days "Belinda" was with us were the most difficult I've evern experienced, and I hate to think how much worse it would have been had the placement been intended as a permanent, adoptive placement.
Although we certainly would like to have a kid that we could call our own, it seems that so many of the kids that end up in permanency planning are too damaged to be part of a "normal" family.
G-d bless you and Bart (and Cindy) for all that you do for your kids. I see that what you do is very hard and has huge value, but I also recognize that there's no way we could do it ourselves. These kids need somewhere to go, and I'm glad it's with you.
Foster parents are definitely needed as well, especially good ones. And I won't be surprised if we continue to keep in touch to hear that you are going to adopt and then you'll be living it.
The Human Spirit, and if I might be so bold, the Holy Spirit are more powerful and strong than most people imagine.
Once you commit to a kid, you can do anything you have to do -- anyone can.
But I respect those who decide they don't want to do it. It definitely has a negative impact on the quality of life a person has.
But then there are those moments, and you've read many of them on my blog, when you feel like it might just be worth it...
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