Being a Foster Parent
As I mentioned last summer in the personal post segments that we were enjoying, my wife Anna and I were foster parents. In all we have been able to support 5 kiddos in almost a year now. Four of them were temporary placements, except for Alex in the photo above. He came into our home late last February after having spent one month in NICU and another month with a family, who wasn't able to provide the time necessary to meet his medical needs. We then provided care for Alex, who was on oxygen and having withdrawals from cocaine in his system. This was going to be a task, but we had been called to do foster parenting. Despite many nights of little sleep due to the detriment of the drugs, the reward of having Alex in our home is so worth it. There's nothing like coming home to a child that is waiting to see you. We hope to adopt him in the upcoming year, but foster parenting if full of trials and tribulations. Biological mom has relinguished her rights, but not his biological dad. It's a long story, so without going into great detail, we still have the upper hand in the court system even as foster parents due to dad's unwillingness to cooperate within the past year. But, his dad continues to fight for custody despite only seeing Alex for 5 minutes ever. He wants custody or a near relative. We have been blessed with a foster agency that has many resources and does all it can to support the parents, a judge that is favorable toward foster parents, and friends that are praying for us. We also now have a voice in any new court cases. Alex has bonded to us, and we want him to be our official son!
So, to my Hardball Heaven family, I ask you to pray for us and that the Lord look favorably upon our family. The next 6 months or so may very well be an emotional roller coaster. We didn't go into foster parenting looking to adopt (unless the opportunity came about), but in this case it is really in Alex's best interest being that he has really only known us in his life. Life wouldn't be the same without this little guy.
Ok, now that is serious and emotional rant if I ever would say, but since we are like family in HH, I had to share with you all. I will however try and get a baseball related post out during the long winter months before SPRING TRAINING finally arrives! Can't wait! Randy, we are coming for you this season!
BASEMAN
Mark,
ReplyDeleteAs I have told you before, I admire your willingness to reach out and help kids in this way. Working in close proximity with law enforcement, I see way more than I care to of the neglect and abuse that takes place everyday in our county. I don't think the average person can begin to fathom the kinds of conditions that some children come from or are forced to live in.
Again, my hats off to you and your wife for the personal sacrifice you are making to try and assist children in this way.
I certainly hope things work out with Alex. For Alex's sake. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be in much better surroundings and environment with you all. The one thing that every child should be entitled to is a loving home and it appears there is no end to the love that he is receiving in your home.
Know that I am behind you all the way on this !
Best wishes, Mark!
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