This summer as we near the end of the clearance process for foster care, my reading list is heavy with books on the subject. One that we just bought is called "Maybe Days." Reviewers of the book recommended reading this book to each child when they come into your home. Because many of the answers to foster kids' questions are unknown, they get a lot of "Maybes." This book helps kids cope with the unknowns of their placement and time away from their birth family.
The book at the top of my list is authored by a young woman named Ashley Rhodes-Courter who spent 9 years in the system and was adopted at the age of twelve. Before being adopted, she and her brother endured numerous placements which meant uprooting just as they were getting used to a home. While with one family, the children endured mental and physical abuse. Once when Ashley was ill, she vomitted on the floor. Her foster 'mother' pushed her face in it as if Ashley were a dog needing a lesson. We didn't even do that to our dog!
Hearing Ashley's story and seeing this poised, educated, lovely, and triumphant young woman opened my heart and eyes to the possibility of eventually fostering older kids. She is living proof that the human spirit can triumph with love, patience and dedication. If you have five and a half minutes, take a look at her appearance on Good Morning America.
One of my new favorite quotes (which I hope to paint on the wall of our children's room) comes from Christopher Robin who said to Pooh, "Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think."
1 comment:
You guys are awesome. Any child would be lucky to have you. We need good foster parents out there. Thank you for opening your home to those who need it.
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