We have been blessed.  I know that.  We have had 57 little people come into our lives that have changed us for the better.  We may have had them for a couple of days or a couple of years, but each one is different and it is always hard when they move on.  And besides our 4 adopted kids, they always do move on.  In a perfect world, we stay in touch.  Whether it be through Facebook or still getting to see them, watching them grow up is a gift.  The others we have faith that things went well, we have to believe that.

The one thing people always say about why they can’t be a foster parent is that they could never give them up.  But you cherish the time you have with them and know that you were a safe place for them to be when they needed it most.   Another child comes and life moves on, but the grieving still happens and the pain and loss is still felt.   

We have had people say “oh, you must get used to it” but it’s never easier.  I can’t begin to explain how heartbreaking it is to watch your 11 year old son sobbing and begging that his “brother” not leave, or watch a child you have loved as your own for almost 3 years wipe away your wife’s tears on her last night in your home.  This is hard stuff.

The last couple weeks have been exceptionally tough on our family, even to the point of questioning if fostering is the right thing to do.  We will get through it, it will strengthen us as people and bring us closer as a family and we will be better for having loved these amazing kids.  We will always be here for them if they need us and we will always love them as our own.