[HopefulMommy]

We are really new at this. I came into this with full knowledge that 80% of the children in our state are returned in 18 months.

We have had one Excellent return. It was a dream. We still see Mom and the little man quite often

Our Princess on the other hand is gonna break my heart, I fear.

She was removed from Bios a year ago (May), She was 5 months old. She came to us at 10 months old and moved to Paternal Grandma just after her first birthday. She came back to us less then 2 months later. And has been with us ever since.

Bio dad has not done a thing and would probably sign over rights tomorrow if asked. Bio Mom dropped of the face of the earth for over 3 months, and is now back and showing up to visits. Being driven by her Grandma who wants the baby, but the state doesn't see her as fit enough to give her custody.

During that 3 months we got way ahead of ourselves and started talking about her becoming ours forever.

I know we did this to help children while their parents got it together. But we are the only family she has know and the thought of losing her is killing me. We are no where near her leaving us. Mom only gets one one hour supervised visit each week. But in my head she is on her way out the door...And I am a mess

Please pray for us that we can continue to be that family and also be supportive to BioMom as she needs us.

Thanks

[RNFosterMom]

I know how you feel. We are only a year into fostering and were certain we wanted to be foster only, but we have a 10 month old who has been with us his whole life (except for a failed 2 month reunification) and we are again facing probable reunification despite being initially being told TPR was likely. We also began to think we'd get to adopt FC, and to now have to pull back from that is so much harder than if we'd never let ourselves imagine that possibility.

I have learned that patience and emotional equilibrium are important qualities to develop in fostering to prevent yourself from going insane -- I am, unfortunately, still a long way from mastering either of them. I hope things turn out for you, but I encourage you to begin working through your feelings so you are as prepared as you can be for whatever happens.

[Larue]

Rebecca I have no advice. Just wanted to say that my heart goes out to you. You gave your Princess something that she needed more than anything, a loving family and a good start in life. And if she is reunited with her bio family, I hope your heart heals and you find peace. Wishing you all the best!