[mom2GRLC]

Thanks again!!

She hasn't left yet...they still have another week or so to find her a new home.

We did receive a call today from a placement person(that I've previously had trouble with) she suprisingly was very friendly and not judgemental of my decision.However she did try and talk me into a respite situation for a 6 year old boy for short term. I again told her no...not at this time...and not for boys unless they are babies. She tried to convice me to take him since I have experience with his special needs. I politely told her..our house was crazy enough this weekend...and I'm sick...and we just really are not interested in taking any...children until after our little foster boy leaves.

I do still hope that this little boy does come up for adoption...(if he can't be placed with his family of course). I know we would adopt him....even though that is more children than we were really prepared to adopt. He is so perfect..and we are already so bonded to him. We've already pictured him as part of our forever family...and we can see a place for him in our future. We will just have to wait and see what God has in store for us.

As far as fostering goes...though....I am finally at a point where...I know I won't take anymore older kids. If our little boy goes...we will either stop...or I will only accept little babies from now on. That's the age that seems to really fit into our family, it's not disruptive, and it's a lot of fun for everyone.

I'm actually very excited that our 4 year old will be leaving...I'm excited for the family time we will have together..and for life to get back to normal. Some of the little things she does...or says are really starting to get to me...and I think...just a couple more weeks at the most!!! Yeah!!!

[HappyMomAnna]

I personally think that we all need to be concerned about the family unit we are responsible for. I can imagine that it is difficult to draw a line--but our forever children always deserve to have 100% of what we are able to give them. I don't feel it is selfish or wrong to pull back and give your family what eveery member needs.

We all have compassion for the children and it is sometimes difficult to make hard choices as you have--but, we are responsible for ourselves and our families best interest first.... You may later find other ways to help children who need you. You may decide to stay out of fostering for a number of years... Either way you have every right to make the choices that are the best for your family.... As all parents have the right and obligation to do....

Life is long and there are many hard choices we do have to make.... I personally think it is good to give your family time and I feel (many may disagree) that the children you are adopting deserve the time to have you for themselves.... I would imagine that seeing children coe and go may in fact leave doubt in thier minds... I think it is difficult for little ones to REALLY understand what Forever Parents really means after the things they have been through--a period of life without witnessing children come and go would be best in my opionion..... This will give them the chance to feel the most special....and that they are where they belong....

There is nothing that will stop you from returning later except that you decide it is for the best.... and there isn't a rule that says once you Foster then you have to do so forever....

I can imagine the hardest part is thinking about the children you might have helpped or need your help.....and with all of this that is the Hardest thing for most of us to deal with....If I had my way I would adopt them all--but that is not possible and as much help as we individuals offer the saddest fact of all is that it is simply never enough--and there will be no day in the future where retirement will not include this reality... It breaks the heart of all of us who see the system and understand how everything we do is merely a drop in the bucket--but the fact is we can only do the things we can--and we do need to make sure our Families are safe--secure--and special first....

When a person becomes a Life Guard the training is intense.... But the number one thing a Life Guard learns to to recognize the situations where one drowning person could become two--and include you.... Life guards are in charge of REAL life and death situations every day--the thing they must learn is to look at the scene and decide when the risk is greater then their own strength.

[mom2GRLC]

That was wonderfully stated. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

I think we will probably do fostering again....if we decide to stop completely after this last baby leaves. But it will be in the way distant future, when our children are grown and out of the house.

If we decide to keep only 1 baby at a time...after he leaves...then we will only do it...until we decide to stop...or move away from this base...which will likely be...in the next year to two years.

Our next major decision....is constantly on our minds.

Do we stay in the military...or re-enlist. There are benefits to both. The main benefit...if we got out is being able to move close to family so our kids can actually KNOW their grandparents and aunts uncle's and cousins. Or to stay in for the insurance and financial stability...but only be able to see family once or twice a year...when possible.

Life is full of these difficult decisions...I am so grateful we live in a nation where there are so many possibilities and freedoms.....I just hope that when we find the answer to that question...we will find the same peace about it...that I have felt as we have decided to stop fostering.

Maybe you guys can also give me some insight...on my next...big decision. You have already beenso helpfull.