[twofus]

As a hopeful foster mom, I have many dreams, many hopes, many fears, many questions. I read about the difficulties of foster care--the pain of having a child leave, the regulations, the risks, the frustrating situations...all the difficulties that are piled on top of normal motherhood with all it's sleepless nights and stressors, what is it that motivates you to do foster care? What keeps you going? What makes you say, "This is worth it!"?

[mckenna]

good post!

there are many things that make me say this is worth it, although sometimes i forget to stop and think of those in the midst of all the hassle! so thank you!

my son, i would not be his mom if not for being his foster mom first

my 3 former foster daughters who were safe, loved and cared for while they were in my home.

knowing that while they might not remember me, i was able to give them a good foundation for thier future and helped shape thier lives even if it were only for a little while

the ability to be a mom even if it is not always forever

watching an undernurished child "catch-up" and excel in milestones

getting a child the proper vaccines & medical attention when they may have had none prior to being in my home

showing a child what a "family" is!

hopefully being a mom for the second time to my foster/adopt daughter

getting to watch my son and his sister grow up together!

hugs, kisses, and i love you's!!!

[hubbyswife]

when my foster son told me I LOVE YOU MOM!

when we picked up our current fd couldn't breathe w/o wheezing, she has asthma, so she always had her mouth open and slobbered lots... NOW she hardly wheezes, keeps her mouth shut and slobbers less and less....

Seeing current fd happy, laughing, hugging, saying her first word w us!

Knowing that u are making a difference in the child's life even if it is for a short time period....

Waiting for the next child and getting to know the child....it's sort of bittersweet, u r happy to have a placement but sad for the child....

when the first time your fchild says I LOVE YOU or calls u MOM/DAD.... that moment is priceless....

[Rocking Mama]

When a birthmom says "I'm learning some new things from you."
When my 15 yo daughter says she is planning her career around being a foster mom "because I see now the need and the importance of it."
When I look in my little Trinity's bright smile and sparkling eyes and realize that foster/adoption gave her a family and hope and a future full of love and promise.
When I talk with adoptive moms who say that they pay the price every day with their RAD kids who did not get the love and nurturing early in life that we foster parents give to the babies who come into our care.
When I think about the opportunities my family gets every time a child lives with us to pray for them and invite God to latch onto them for the rest of their lives and never let them go.
RM

[jgalt]

It’s worth it when:

You are literally chasing your youngest foster son through a restaurant and yell his name and he actually responds.

When your older foster son gets excited and says “I’m listening!” Because he is actually listening to you and doing what you ask, and understanding the importance of it.

When they say “Wait for me Daddy!”

When they stop saying because “I get nervous” and “My brain doesn’t work right” and instead say “Because I’m smart” and “Because I figured it out”.

When they learn to hug the dog instead of yelling at it.

“… and now I know my ABC’s.”

“I can read!”

Vacuum cleaner kisses on your cheek.

Knowing you are providing opportunities they would never have had.

Little thing after little thing after little thing…

[Kate1129]

When your little boy is playing in the yard and a fire truck goes by and he's scared and he looks to ME for protection.

That does it for me!

[tlc4kidz]

Knowing that my 2 bio-sons can rattle off the names of all of our fkids.....even the little guy that only stayed 16 hours, and that they will be more loving and compassionate men and daddies because of it.

Getting the chance to be a mommy again to 2 of the most adorable and sweet kids around. And, knowing that their birthparents trusted us with raising them (in their words) to "turn out different than they would have if they'd gone home". Learning to put aside my prejudices and pre-conceived ideas about the families who have children in care and love them right where their at.....AND at the same time hopefully make a difference that will break the generational chain of abuse.

[twofus]

These are so beautiful! Thank you. Blessings to each of you today as you touch and change the lives of children.

[jackiesbooks]

After my first 2 Fds were send home, I thought I would never look at that as a positive experience, but after 6 months - I am proud to know -

They will probably remember us.

We taught them the importance of taking care of themselves - even if Mommy forgets to tell them to brush their teeth.

We showed they the Ocean and what spending Quality time with the family is about.

We know they will be better people and Moms because of us.

We know can talk about them and look at all the photos of the great times we had together!

After 5 months we were ready for another long-term placement, and we love C!