This is a story we’ve yet to tell on our blog, but its become increasingly important in our growth as artists and humans. And its a struggle we don’t know how to fight on our own. So I’m going to share some stuff. Here goes….
Two years ago this month we made the scary, seemingly impossible decision to include babies in the equation of our family. We had been married 5.5 years at that point, for much of which I wasn’t even sure I wanted to be a mother. Call me crazy for being a Child Photographer. Many artists get started by taking endless photographs of their children, this was not me.
After 1 year of ______________ (insert negative word here, there are too many that come to mind to choose just one, or five) we realized that we waited too long. We spent years being unsure, unaffected, and frankly, pretty nonchanlant about the whole thing. We assumed we would ALWAYS have time for kids, or at least time to make up our minds. Why give up all that freedom too early?
Why do we believe we will always have time? What convinces us that life will stand still just for our convenience? Love, travel, family, career, hobbies, books to read, people to invest in, faith to develop…lives to lead. And what do we trade for this fantasy of time? A lot of cable. And other stuff too, but a lot of cable. Now I’m not harping on cable, yesterday alone I spent more time watching tv than I will ever admit. I am not the model for a full life here. Quite the opposite actually. Ben says I shouldn’t feel guilty about my _____hrs on the couch (not going to admit it remember?). And I told him, its not guilt. I rarely feel guilty. Here’s what it is:
Its the loss of something experienced.
Anyway, I digress. So 1 year ago we asked ourselves, “What have we been putting off? What have we always said we wanted to do but have yet to even think about doing it?”
Becoming foster parents….
*We’ll be telling this story in a series of blog entries, if you’re interested at all in Foster Care, let us know, leave a comment, we’d love to hear from you. Thank you for reading and for caring. Happy Monday friends. Peace.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Why can’t I read this without tearing up?
Eagerly looking forward to part 2.
Thank you for this post. You are dear and ever dearer, friend.
crystal
Thank you friends, your encouragement means so much!
Oh friend- I love your honesty and your heart. Part 2! Tell it sista!
So excited you’re blogging about this, and I can’t wait to read more!
Can’t wait for part 2. Thanks for sharing part of your heart.
Sarah M
Can;t wait to read more and hear more of your heart.
Loveyou. (virtual hug)
the thought of part two inspires.
As a former foster child myself I’d just like to say thank you for such a generous act. Fostering done right saves lives – just be ready for the many difficulties a foster child will bring, because lord knows their lives have not been easy up to this point and it takes a lot of love and patience to undo what has already been done.
I’m a counselor for a non-profit agency, and I have worked with and continue to work with several children in foster care. You are entering an extremely challenging and rewarding time in your lives–good foster parents are hard to find, and knowing that another stable, loving couple has made the decision to welcome children into their home gives me even more hope about the good that exists in the world.
Like Anne, I am also a therapist. I started my career working in group homes for teenagers (16 yrs ago). I was in my early 20′s and didn’t fully appreciate the gift, opportunity, and responsibility this placed before me. I had an “adopted” family…by best friend’s parents took me in…I was the teen that most parents would not allow their kids to hang out with…instead of pushing me aside, they pulled me closer. The impact on my life has been beyond words. Due to their encouragement, love and ability to set an expectation for me when I couldn’t imagine it myself…changed everything. There will be days when you will ask yourself, “why am I doing this?” I can guarentee it. But hang on…it can be the most amazing experience. Yes, these children have challenges…but I am a hopeless romantic…I believe all things are possible through love and faith. Best too you!