A Word from a Foster Mother

Since becoming a foster mom there is one statement people make to me which I want to take a quick moment to address.  It is usually said in a cheery off-hand sort of way and goes something like this, “Oh, you do foster care?  I could never do that.  I’d never be able to let the babies go; it would be too hard!”  

I’ve been tempted to respond with a sarcastic, “Well gee, it’s easy for me because I’m really a very cold hearted person.”  What I usually say instead is something more along the lines of, “I can’t imagine what it would be like to give up a child, but I know that if God calls me to it, He’ll also give me the strength to get through it.”

My sister Jenny, also a foster mom, meets the statement with, “I know it would be really hard, but sometimes we need to put our feelings aside and do what’s best for the children.”

As we face our first foster baby leaving this week, I have learned a new meaning for the word grief.  But, I also had the privilege of caring for her these five months and am honored and blessed to carry her in my heart and prayers for the rest of my life.  And I’m trusting God to get me through it.