[MilehighDad]

I'm glad you read the book and it helped you. I won't say that I think you enjoyed it, because I know I didn't. In fact, I read it in just two sittings because i had to get through it. But, after years with our oldest I think that it is an excellent insight into how our kids feel. And, unfortunately, I think the number of foster homes, the things lost, and the emotionally scarring are all very real and very much what we have dealt with. One of the hardest things for me was that Ashley's timeline is very much the same as our latest girl, from the age she was taken into care through the time she was placed with us, and including the number of placements. So, every time Ashley moved, I saw our daughter losing her things instead.

I, too, hope that your daughter had an easier ride through the system than Ashley. In your first post, you asked how to gain trust in an abused child and I think the answer is simple - you love her completely and unconditionally and then you wait. You may wait for a long time while it seems like she will never love you back. But, your patience will pay off and what you're doing is a great thing.

Good luck.