[L-A-J-C-R-C]

Comments other people make can really hurt our children! I've actually had a woman tell me that I dress my kids nice "for foster kids" (the receptionist at the doctor's office was kind enough to announce that throughout the entire waiting area in the form of a question). I very quickly asked her how she feels foster kids should dress? Maybe in rags like Oliver? She was speechless and I felt better but then had to deal with the receptionist. UGH!

I do have to agree, however, that MOST people don't mean to be insensitive. They just have no idea how hurtful their questions/comments can be to these kids.

I also feel very awkward when people say how wonderful or what a special person it takes to do this. UGH, I have heard that AT LEAST a thousand times over the past 2 years! I don't feel special or wonderful for doing this, I feel like a mom! Our kids are wonderful, they are the ones that survived, we just help them pick up the pieces and learn that there are adults you can trust.

I had a respiratory therapist make a comment the other day while my 1 y/o fs was hospitalized. She said something about his "real mom." I've seen posts on here about those words hurting people but, to be honest, it never bothered me until that day. This baby has been with us for almost a year and is VERY sick. He is not expected to live past the age of 5 (if that long). We have sat with him, loved him, fed him (using medicine syringes), did breathing treatments, all his MANY, MANY medications for the past year - boy did her words CRUSH ME. We are in the process of adopting him and our other 2 that we've had for 2 years. I feel no less their "real mom" than I do my 2 biological sons. I let her comment go because the folks at this hospital have cared for him for a year prior to him coming to us so they know this family and C's situation. I know she meant no harm but it still hurt. The nurses and entire staff treat him like the little Prince that he is LOL. I'm sure I'll have another opportunity to educate her as we're in the hospital fairly often (usually once a month for a few days). Hopefully I'll be less tired/emotional then.

Michelle