[tybeemarie]

Sandy,

I am so sorry this has been so disheartening for you! You are a wonderful mother, so dedicated and so full of fun. You certainly deserve as many kids as possible! I don't know why this system is so hard. It should not be this difficult.

As we are HOPEFULLY wending our way toward the adoption of our 3, I finally got rid of the HUGE file I had that documented our exhaustive and exhausting search for our kids. It was overwhelming how many kids were in that file! 50 at least. We sent in homestudies on at least a dozen. It was just brutal. Not at all the impression you get from the PSA's encouraging the adoption of children from foster care!

I also grieve when I think of the marginal care so many kids receive in foster care. Don't get me wrong, I love the foster parent community, and I have met the most wonderful people in it. But there are some real horror stories out there, and some of these people get to adopt. Meanwhile, you are bring driven crazy in your search for another little one.

I have actually thought, oh, if only my kids' little 2 year old sister could be adopted by Sandy! But no, she will be adopted by her so-so foster mother who has asked for no services for her. SIGH!

This is really cheery, huh? Sorry, don't mean to bring you down! I DO believe that your child is out there, Sandy. For whatever reason, to get to him or her, you will have to suffer like crazy. I will keep you in my prayers.

[llambro]

Had to laugh (tongue in cheek) at some of remarks we all have to hear! My oldest will be 21 in a few days, my youngest is 10 and there are four others in between. We are in our 40's and ready to start all over again.....if we are so blessed. We have had friends straight up laugh at us.... offer counseling...offer alcohol.....family who just thinks we should wait for Grandbabies. I can't wait for Grandbabies but I know in my heart that my family is not complete. One (or more) of my children is not yet home......my arms still feel alittle empty....I won't try to explain it any better than that. You know what I mean.