[Indy]

My license officially expires in February 2009. Unofficially, I stopped receiving calls in October 2008. I needed to update my CPR training and classroom work. I didn't do that. So my license was put into probationary status. I received a letter from the "home study lady". She has scheduled a home visit for February 3rd, which I am canceling.

I have come to the conclusion that I have enough sons (maybe one or two to many!) and drama to last a lifetime.

It is not a sad time, but one of satisfaction and fulfillment. Not sure how life will be without caseworkers and adoption therapy sessions. I have had so many of those, I think I could give them.

My grandmother always said, "life is about new doors opening and old ones closing".

[aMarylandfamily]

We too had to come to this conclusion and when it was our turn it felt very odd - as you say, satisfying but definitely different - empty but full at the same time and you still have alot of the parenting ahead (at least 15 years or more of children in the house and years of them away from the house bringing them grandchildren for visits) so you won't be bored for some time to come. Like with most things time will make this decision feel normal and eventually you will get to our point of "no way would we want more - it is time for those new doors". I'll remember this as we are going for ds's Learners this week and have bought a used car for him to learn, drive and eventually keep which is making us feel old as dh's Dad did this for all his kids "when he was old". Aint life funny ... do remember though you are not released from this forum or friendships now or even after you relocate, change lifestyles and grow in ways without all the red tape!

Best wishes and celebrate - and do remember, you can always go back and get re-certified if you ever feel too bored!

[MamaS]

You have 11 years before J4 is old enough to leave the nest. By that time, in theory, you will be raising at least three grandchildren! You will never be done! You will just get your children from a different source. (And who knows, you may end up raising grandaughters!)

[Original Mike]

I heard "i think I'm done" after you got J3 and C. Then came J2 and M. Then, I heard "I'm done". Then came S. Then, I heard "I'm done" and, well, you get my point.

You have been my inspiration throught my Journey and I just have a sinking feeling that you're not done yet. You may just not realize it yet.

As I posted in my earlier post "Life is what happens when we are making other plans."

[lucyjoy]

Glad you feel at peace with your decision.

As for raising your grandkids, I'd love to raise mine. But sadly, with sons, it's normally the daughters parents who end up with the kids.

It will be exciting to hear what new doors open for you.

I still feel sad about being done adopting.

[kretzklan]

I do think that you've done your share! I couldn't do what you are doing! I hope this decision brings peace to you...

[chickymum]

Whats meant to happen, will happen!

[athikers]

I missed it... when did you finalize on J4?

[waited2long]

Since you are planning to leave the country, closing your Fostercare license makes sense to me.

Enjoy being a Dad without the 'watchers'!!! LOL

[skirbo]

You've done more than your share. Fortunately, I can consider that you've done my share, too. I've only done one teen for one year and I'm done forever, myself.

Sarah

[Barksum]

It does feel good to reach the end of a season in one's life. I remember being so excited when we embarked on our adoption journey, but I don't think it was anything compared to being done with the Adding To The Family Phase! The outlook on life is a bit different and you begin to make other kinds of plans for where the adoption process used to fill your time.

Have fun! Enjoy!! How are the Thai plans going?? LOL

[mrsred]

Originally Posted by lucyjoy

Glad you feel at peace with your decision.

As for raising your grandkids, I'd love to raise mine. But sadly, with sons, it's normally the daughters parents who end up with the kids.

It will be exciting to hear what new doors open for you.

I still feel sad about being done adopting.

Actually, my T's oldest sister is being raised by her paternal grandparents. So, be careful what you say, anything is possible.

Indy, I know what you mean about feeling odd that you won't have social workers and such in and out of your home and life. After our disrupted placement last year we concluded that with E's special needs we can't add anymore kids. How lovely to live life in a more normal way - not up to licensing codes!!

[LibbyHawkins]

Just food for thought - I was told in Indiana if you close your license while in probationary status that it cannot ever be reopened(seems like it would be unlikely, but what I was told at a training), that you should get your license up to date and then close.

In case there is a slight chance in H#$%L you might reconsider at some point.

[Indy]

Originally Posted by LibbyHawkins

Just food for thought - I was told in Indiana if you close your license while in probationary status that it cannot ever be reopened(seems like it would be unlikely, but what I was told at a training), that you should get your license up to date and then close.

In case there is a slight chance in H#$%L you might reconsider at some point.

Thanks for the thought. I am pretty sure you are right about not being able to reopen. I am positive that I am done.

One thing that is on my side (if I ever change my mind)...it's not always what you know, but who.

[SAHmom]

Indy, hugs!

A question...is there really life after SW, theapy appointments, Case Managers????