Thursday, May 20, 2010

Lessons Learned

In January, Trevor and I made the decision to become foster parents. After two miscarriages and months of unsuccessful trying, it was time for some forward momentum. Thus began the tedious process of classes, paperwork, background checks, fingerprints, TB tests, First Aid/CPR/HIV training, and a home study. After countless hours of work and way too many hoops to jump through to count, by the end of April we had recieved our foster care license in the mail. We now reached the "waiting stage" of the process and surprisingly, we didn't have to wait long.

Last Monday we recieved a phone call from a social worker informing us that there were three kids who needed a place to stay - a 9-year-old girl, a 6-year-old girl, and a 3-year-old boy. We didn't hesitate for one second and said our home was more than open. As quickly as they came, they just as quickly went away, leaving behind a quiet that we no longer want. Yesterday they left us to live with their aunt and in turn have left us very contemplative, very sad, and yet nonetheless, very appreciative of the time we had with them.

The lessons we learned by having these children in our home for just 10 short days will remain with us for a lifetime. Here are just a few...
  • Hide the licorice and the pop.
  • Bath time requires rubber duckies and tupperware.
  • You don't need lots of toys or other things to keep kids entertained - a big back yard with dirt to dig in and a ball to kick around can be enough.
  • Teaching a 3-year-old how to use "please" and "thank you" can be the most intellectually challenging task you may ever face.
  • Hearing a 3-year-old say "please" or "thank you" unprompted can be the most rewarding part of your entire day.
  • Sparkly headbands and hot pink sandals can make any 6- and 9-year-old girls' dreams come true.
  • Strep throat sucks and strep throat times three sucks even more.
  • Taking three kids to a movie means you won't get to watch it. Period.
  • Sometimes cereal is good for dinner...and never, ever, ever put garlic in scrambled eggs.
  • Drawing and coloring and play dough are fun for everybody.
  • Hearing "I love you" and "I will miss you" from the mouths of babes can bring you to your knees.
  • Peace, quiet, and clean are completely and totally over rated.
  • Ten days is not too short of a period to fall in love with someone, and in our case, with three someones.
To L and A and E...thank you for being you.

5 comments:

Bella Mente said...

You are incredible Sara! I did not know you were going through all of this! You and Trevor are going to make huge impacts in many lives that you have not already done so for. :) Again.. you're simply amazing!

ps... no matter how hard you try to hide the licorice and pop.. kids will find it ;)

Melanie said...

Sara and Trevor,

You inspire me. You are natural parents and I love you both. I know your children are coming your way.

p.s. I am sorry we cry over Taco Bell but I can't promise that will ever change. It is our thing.

Melanie said...

I don't know what to say - but I am excited for your journey as foster parents and just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you.

Anaface said...

You brought me to tears. Mel is right you both are natural parents, you guys inspire me to be a "live" more in the moment parent.

Thank you for opening your hearts to children in need, it is a huge gift your giving to all of us.

Angela said...

I am excited for the day when your house is noisy and chaotic and absolutely perfect. You are both amazing people, natural parents (I agree with Melanie...I think Mimi is Melanie? LOL) and a huge blessing to so many. I love how wide your arms open and how deeply you love. Soon your time will come, and meanwhile, I have no doubt that the fact it has not yet forever encouraged and changed the lives of these 3 little ones. They will NEVER forget you!

xoxo dear friends!