The Love Boat

We board the cruise ship, my daughter and I, full of excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead.¹  When I saw the advertisement just a few weeks ago for an island getaway, and when my husband offered us the use of his frequent-flyer miles to get to the port, how could I pass up the opportunity?  This is the first time being away from my special-needs foster child in over a year, and I am greatly looking forward to the respite.  To a chance to recharge and rejuvenate, returning home at the end of the trip with renewed joy and resolve.  Caribbean, here we come!

R & R - Waiting with Purpose

The ringing of the telephone interrupts my day.  Actually, the telephone often interrupts my day.  It’s practically a requirement for being a foster parent.  I never know exactly what to expect when I hear that familiar sound, so like Pavlov’s dog, my heart has been trained to give an inevitable little leap. I say a quick prayer, take a breath, and answer it.

This time, it is indeed a social worker calling, informing me that my current foster child will soon be leaving.  The date has been confirmed for her to be admitted to a long-term care facility.  I experience so many conflicting emotions in the next 30 seconds, that it’s almost impossible to describe them all.