[ALfostermom]

i have had 12 children come and go. Some are easier to let go of and some are hard. My first placement was adopted by another foster family, (I am only fostering at this time) so i get to see her from time to time. but my last baby i had for 16 months and he was really hard to let go of. So I guess what i am saying a little piece of my heart goes with each child when they leave. I have a good cry and call DHR in a couple of days and say i am ready for another child. Like someone said earlier-- i just keep reminding myself these are not my kids and they will be leaving soon. I will love them with all of my heart and pray for them when they return home.

[enchansin]

My first fosterchild moved on 10yrs ago.. We still think about her almost each day.. in fact we think about all of them.. even respites have a place still in our hearts..
We had our 2nd fc come visit once he turned 18
I can't say it easier with time, it more of normal to think about them and go on with my day.. It more empty nest feeling...
I have 2 birth children and bd still lives with us and Son calls almost daily.. For me all the children F or B are over 18 now.. I'm just hoping for a new placement to help fill my days & nights again..
All I can say is I hope thier time in my care helped them throw a tough time.. and Pray that they moved on to normal lifes after they left...

[mamala]

I agree with a pp: some are easier to let go of than others.

Cookie will be going home soon. I always knew the goal was RU and her mother has made her way better than anyone dreamed. At the end of the day, I know that if mom can stay clean--Cookie will have more peace being with her mom and I love her SO much that I want that for her.

Of course, if mom screws up--I'm right there to adopt! I don't think she will, though. And I'm happy to have been a part of making it alright. Even the cw has said that if not for my willingness to be so involved, this probably would've never gotten this far.

[mama-2-3]

Where they are going when they leave makes a difference in how we feel. Our first little guy went somewhere VERY unhealthy with a relative he had never even met (don't want to go into too much detail, but why the county gave custody to this crazy woman is beyond me), so that was hard.
I feel good knowing that I gave him a great place to live for a while. I took him to the park quite a bit, to the zoo, to the beach, and he loved it here. He was very young, so he probably won't have specific memories of his time here, but I did make a difference in his life. He smiled every day he was with me. That makes me feel good.