Foster Boys Have Flown the Coop

I have an empty nest! After two months of little foster babies running around, the house is quiet. My own children started back to school today, also, but I’ve yet to experience any signs of child withdrawal.

The boys met their new mom and dad yesterday. It just so happened that New Mommy’s birthday was yesterday as well. Can you imagine a better present?

The boys bought her a dozen red and peach roses. FC#2 carried them into the DHS office, which was a sight to behold; him at 2 1/2 barely taller than the long-stemmed bouquet. 🙂 I also found two verses that talk about mothering and did hand prints of each boy.

In case you can’t read the small print of the copy I scanned in, these are the verses:

Isaiah 49:15 Honor your father and mother; and love your neighbor as yourself

Matthew 19:19 As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you

Now, if you met the boys, you can see that those verses are extremely meaningful. I’m sure it doesn’t take a detective to figure it out either, if you didn’t meet them. (Please, though, don’t state the reason explicitly if you leave a comment.)

I can’t really describe the feeling of their last hug. To have taken care of little ones for so long and know that we’ll never see either of them again … But, I’m glad to report, I did not become too attached. For anyone reading this whose heart is pulled toward doing foster care, but fear you won’t be able to let them go, I have a challenge: Try it. The worst thing that will happen is you get hurt once. Or maybe, just maybe, it will be easy to pass them on.

You’ll never know until you try!

4 Responses to Foster Boys Have Flown the Coop

  1. Susan J. Reinhardt September 3, 2008 at 3:30 pm #

    Hi Christina –

    What a beautiful story of unselfish love! Those children were blessed to be in a household that not only cared for their physical needs, but also for their spiritual and emotional needs.

    Blessings,
    Susan 🙂

  2. Gaston PTC September 4, 2008 at 7:55 am #

    I have teary eyes, joyful ones!

    I’m thankful that they have a forever family now! Those little guys are just precious.

    The flowers & handprints are so sweet! You are such a kind & loving person.

    Thanks for sharing your lives! I can’t wait to meet the next children you care for.

    You are a beautiful example of spiritual motherhood- you open your heart to those who are helpless, feeble or needy.

    -Jamie

  3. Tammy Bowers September 4, 2008 at 8:42 am #

    Christina, how very creative and thoughtful of you to help the boys present their new mom with a birthday gift. Super sweet! The boys are more prepared for a loving family, thanks to the safe, secure and loving home you gave them for the last 2 months. May God richly bless you, your husband, parents, and children! And a big ol’ pat on the back from me for a job well done!

  4. Jennifer L. Griffith September 6, 2008 at 8:25 pm #

    Christina,

    May the seeds that you planted into their hearts sprout up out of their tilled hearts to produce much fruit in the name of the Lord. Thank you for taking in these boys and loving them for the time God allowed. You are amazing. Thank you.

    Jennifer