[lockharts]

Hi,
This is going to sound kinda weird, so please bare with me. I am not saying this for me but for some very dear friends of mine who have not been seen on the forum in some time.....( THIS IS NOT MEANT TO UPSET ANYONE EITHER)

There have been some real turn overs on this forum lately and I think that is sad. I know some have moved onto caring for little children and I know that takes alot of their time. Others have moved onto other forums and then there are others who just can't bare the heavy load God has placed on their shoulders....

I know two of those people Dawn and Jennifer. (aka prayin4little1 and jennifervan) I am walking a mile in their shoes, so I will tell you some things.

First, this long road is so very hard. It is frustrating, agonizing and at sometimes too much to handle. I have at times thought what is the point? Why keep fighting this fight? No one cares, no one will get this case finished, how long can this keep dragging on????????
If you have not waited an extended period of time (over 12 months ~) you may not exactly know this feeling. You are so very lucky too.

Secondly, this forum and these friends we have made are our lifeline. We need them every minute of everyday. I know first hand that I could never have made it this far without all of my friends who have prayed for me, talked to me, mailed me cards, sent me flowers, called me on the phone, let me cry on their shoulder, send me CD's, made collages of Memo's pictures for me and even gave me cyber hugs.
To all of you, THANK YOU! We need help to hold onto something that seems extremely hopeless to us. We need a break, we need your prayers, we need your encouragement.

Thirdly, adoption is never easy on anyone. (Ok.. maybe for a very few) Remember, just when you think you can't stand being in PGN 3 weeks or 3 months, remeber there are a few more who have been in there for over 12 - 18 MONTHS.....

Please help me support the old timers... Help me keep their head above water.... Help me pray for them and most of all help the old timers and the newbies build friendships like those we had with friends who have gone on. This forum is truely a lifeline and we need so badly to get that support back and flowing every hour of everyday.

I hate the person who blew the picture safety thing with us too. That always seems to help. Those faces, they brought tears to our eyes and hope to our hearts.

Jennifer and Dawn, I am still here with you. I am still stuck too. I am hoping that we all get good news today!!!!!! I am praying for you both and for Memo, Julia and Ronaldo too.
I am here if you want to vent... I really am.

PS Watch the mail, you just might be suprised..

[wvamom]

Suzanne,

I sure haven't forgotten you! I just don't understand why the Guatemala government doesn't seem to have the best interests of the children in mind in at least some cases--especially yours!

I hope you get some good news soon. We want Memo home!!!

I'm still praying for you guys.
Carolyn

[aMarylandfamily]

this board has been a life-line for me more than once and many have questioned why I stay on ... experiencing a successful placement, a sibling disruption and an out-of-home placement that eventually went to tpr (child was violent to others, family members and himself) and making the decision we cannot further traumatize the child still in our home with another placement might leave you wondering "why I am still here" ... it is because of all those who have touched my world with kindness, words, caring and even love at the lowest of lows and highest of highs ... and to hope that not only can I share my wisdom and hands on experience as well as learn from those with placements/kids one step ahead of where mine is now ... so we need to stay connected and active on these boards... one of the other boards talked just this morning about the quiet and lonely feeling with few posters posting ... when in reality pace should be picking up as it is a time for matches as caseworkers start transitions for placement at the end of the upcoming school year ... so ... looking forward to hearing more from the "oldies" and also "newbies" ... your journey just starting will be filled with lots of fun, laughter and challenges and we can assist with and through it all!

[Mandy4President]

I'm not sure that I'm taking this the way that you mean it, but I agree. This forum has really turned into a cyber support group for me. The thing that I love the most about it is I don't ever feel like my venting goes unheard, and I know that people are not reading it going "but my case is so much worse" most people just listen and give support (of course you always get the rotton few, but they don't count)

Also, we would have never gotton certain documents taken care of if it weren't for a few awesome people on this forum. Our agency didn't help us, this forum did.

My prayers go out to Memo...I CANNOT imagine the pain that you're going through for that little boy...

Have a good day everyone and remember that one day our babies will be home!!!!!!!!!

[kimy]

I haven't forgotten about you either.. I pray for Memo, Ronlad , and Julia often and check on this forum frequently to see if there has been any news from you.
I haven't posted a lot in the pat month since we have been home with Fernando but I have tried to answer some questions for some.
My Church has started an adoption group to help others and I am going to pass along the address from this forum.

Yes, I do know the strength that one can get from this forum and I have met some wonderful people here. I don't think I would have made it without the help of Emmasmom.
She was my backbone through some really yucky days.
I will continue to try to be a help whenever I can.
Suzanne, you stay strong-- This mess WILL end soon.
I can just feel it.
take care,
Kim

[katsco]

Suzanne,

You are absolutely right! I am circling you in hugs right now.





I hope your words of wisdom helps strengthen all of us! You are an angel.


Katie

[JohnnaMJH]

I hear you Suzanne. That is why I stick around. I know that with our 2yr wait, we really didn't have anything like this and it would really, really have helped. Even now, there is still pain when I think about it and I do get comfort from being here and from talking to people who have been there.

BIG HUGS and I will definitely keep praying and hanging out to see the post that says, "Our Memo is Coming Home!"

[drmalcolm]

Suzanne, I'm glad you posted. As a former Guat mother-to-be who's now with the China program, I wanted to pop over and say I'm still hoping and wishing for you guys, even if I'm not around as much.

Glad to see some familiar names, but I hope to see some happier entries in everyone's signature time-lines very, very soon.

Best to you all,
Christina

[adoptguatemalablog]

Suzanne,

You know that you, and the others, always have me in your corner. I know how weird it is that the closer you get to the end of that tunnel sometimes the light seems to grow dimmer. We are here to help carry you across that finish line where Memo is waiting for his Momma and Poppa to wrap their arms around him.

I'm saddened by many of the events that have led to the fracture of this family but I will continue on offering any information I can give. I will continue in prayer for those who join this family and for those who have for one reason or another left this family.

You will make it. You can do this. As much as your body is fatigued, your will and determination are stronger. You love for Memo is deeper than any discouragement could ever attack. I am a great admirer of you and Mark and your example of love that you have set for everyone.

On that note, I feel that I have found a great friend in Mark last night after our conversation. You guys rock.

[fleul]

Oh Suzanne (and all the long time waiters) - I haven't forgotten you either!!!! I am constantly praying for Memo and all of the children, that they may be home with their forever families real soon!!!!!!

I can't help but feel this "tug" pulling at me all the time to check the forum, and I don't even really know you, but I want so badly to check in on here and it's kind of like I hold my breath looking for a post from you or Dawn or Jennifer (kind of like I just felt, when I saw that you had posted!!!) I am continuing to pray for you, your families AND most of all, the beautiful children you are all trying to bring home.

Please keep up the fight and may you continue to have the strength and courage to get through this difficult time. And please know that we are all right here beside you trying to encourage you on and help all of you keep your spirits up while you wait.

Linda

[TerriBB]

Each morning I scan this site - hoping that the evening before a "long timer" would have posted happy news. Each night I pray that you have answers to your files and that your children are soon home with you. I can not imagine what you, your families and nearby friends are going through.

Please know that we care!

[lisam00]

Suzanne, my family (and my church family) prays for you and for Memo every day. I am so strong in my faith and I know that God has a plan for everything but I struggle greatly when it comes to you and Memo. I find myself asking "why why why God?". I cannot imagine how difficult it is for you and your family. I cannot imagine how your heart must hurt. I cannot imagine how you must feel each time that you look at a photo of your precious Memo. I admire your strength. I admire your love and dedication. I think that your children are incredibly blessed to have such a wonderful mother.

I think of you, Jenniver, and Dawn often. I"m praying for them and for their children too. Also for LMG and her little boy.

Hang in there. If you can't hang on...hang onto us...we're all here for you!

God bless,
Lisa

[Truthdefenders]

Suzanne, Dawn, and Jennifer,

You are daily in my prayers, and you will continue to be until you get your kids home. Just know that Jesus is walking right with you and He won't let you go. Please let us know whenever you guys need extra prayer support. We'll be here.

[delaware1]

I'm sorry if I haven't been posting much. The platinum club is always in my heart. I check several times a day to see if there is news.
I think if I dont' post much it's because it feels a bit weird after a while to keep posting, "oh the good news has to come soon."
I am sincerely praying for all of the waiters, I know it's hard-
Kathleen

[guatmom4113]

I miss you guys. I can acknowledge what Suzanne has just said. I HOPE my nightmare is almost over. It has been almost two years since it began. At first, I was afraid to say anything so I kept quiet while I read other people's stories. I gained courage and strength from them, and I am SURE I never would have made it this far had it not been for all the cyber hugs, answers to questions, and the friends I have made along the way who understood what it was like to live a nightmare of continual rollercoaster rides. For all the longtimers, I miss you all. You have added a lot to this forum, as you put your heart into it. I am sad when I don't see you. I am glad Suzanne brought this to our attention.