730 Days
Today marks me being a foster parent to my Little Man for 2 years. It's hard to believe it's only been 2 years but then also that there is still so much ahead of us.
Here is what I have learned being a foster mom for 2 years:
1. The label "mom" was a hard one for me to wear in the beginning because, in my head, I am not a real mom. But after 2 years, I am Mom. I wear that label proud. I announce my label to anyone who listens. I've worked really hard to have this relationship with Little Man and I am proud of it. I'm thankful that I have been given this opportunity to become the mother I wanted to be; all because of him.
2. Growth is a constant theme for us. Not only is he growing physically, but his speech, reading, and writing are leaps and bound better than where he was a year ago. His personality and sense of humor is growing. And his sense of self is too. The growth I see in him is amazing.
3. I am not prepared for the future. Questions are coming now that I need to prepare for. About death. About life. About his body. About his role in the world. I want to protect him from it all but know that I also need to let him find his own way, make his own mistakes, and learn about himself. It's hard to realize that I won't always be the person he comes to when he needs something.
4. Sharing is still NOT caring. Little Man and Mr. T are getting along better but only because Little Man knows he'll get in trouble if he doesn't. But he does surprise me sometimes and is a complete angel with him.
5. I thought I was tired before but it doesn't compare to the level of exhaustion I feel most nights. I wouldn't change a thing except maybe get more sleep.
6. The laughter in my life has filled a void I knew I had but was surprised to know how big it was. My life, prior to 2 years ago, was not horrible but it wasn't fulfilling. I know my purpose now. I love my purpose and my life. I feel complete.
Here is what I have learned being a foster mom for 2 years:
1. The label "mom" was a hard one for me to wear in the beginning because, in my head, I am not a real mom. But after 2 years, I am Mom. I wear that label proud. I announce my label to anyone who listens. I've worked really hard to have this relationship with Little Man and I am proud of it. I'm thankful that I have been given this opportunity to become the mother I wanted to be; all because of him.
2. Growth is a constant theme for us. Not only is he growing physically, but his speech, reading, and writing are leaps and bound better than where he was a year ago. His personality and sense of humor is growing. And his sense of self is too. The growth I see in him is amazing.
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| My Little Man |
3. I am not prepared for the future. Questions are coming now that I need to prepare for. About death. About life. About his body. About his role in the world. I want to protect him from it all but know that I also need to let him find his own way, make his own mistakes, and learn about himself. It's hard to realize that I won't always be the person he comes to when he needs something.
4. Sharing is still NOT caring. Little Man and Mr. T are getting along better but only because Little Man knows he'll get in trouble if he doesn't. But he does surprise me sometimes and is a complete angel with him.
5. I thought I was tired before but it doesn't compare to the level of exhaustion I feel most nights. I wouldn't change a thing except maybe get more sleep.
6. The laughter in my life has filled a void I knew I had but was surprised to know how big it was. My life, prior to 2 years ago, was not horrible but it wasn't fulfilling. I know my purpose now. I love my purpose and my life. I feel complete.
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