Jen,
I see YOU differently. And not just because I like you.
I see foster parents different than potential families in this specific scenario. Had Munchkin had to go to foster care for some reason, I would have been forever grateful to that family for taking care of her while I did whatever it is that I was doing. Actually, my Mom is in contact with the family who now has the child that she once fostered. Mom and Dad get letters, pictures and talk with the new family semi-regularly to compare notes and give them some encouragement.
So, in my mind, the two scenarios are different. That may just be me, but that's how I see it.
