My husband and I started our adoption journey almost five years ago. We got our foster license in August of 2015 and received our first placement less then a week later. We got the call saying, "A newborn preemie baby boy needs to be picked up at the hospital later today." Naturally, our response was, "We will be there!" They told us he weighed seven pounds, and I was ready for him with an assortment of boy clothes in a variety of sizes that we'd stored away in anticipation of this very day. My husband came home from work early, and we drove to pick up this baby boy who desperately needed us. We arrived at the hospital, and they brought out a tiny little four-pound munchkin - Immediately it was love at first sight! He was so scrawny and needy, but he was just absolute perfection in my eyes.
"Reunification" was the goal for this precious boy, and we knew that going in. We were prepared mentally if that were the end result; however, after about six months in our home, the goal for him changed to adoption. As the process went on, there were many ups and downs, with plenty of "roller coaster" feelings and new surprises showing up. Along with all the legal situations we dealt with for two years, our son had many medical needs that came with a 29-week, substance-exposed, low birth weight, and premature infant. We had tons of doctor appointments, therapies, and even an unforgettable scare that he was going to need skull surgery.
This child is - and will always be - our Superman! He’s overcome so much in his short lifetime and it's hard to believe he’s almost five years old now. We still have some issues we are working on with him - but our son is an amazing soul, he’s physically strong, and smart as a whip! He is also incredibly determined, and sometimes when this characteristic of his drives us crazy (kdding), we remind ourselves that’s WHY he survived...because he is a fighter!!
My husband and I have had eight foster placements after him - some for short periods of time, and others for longer. All of them have had varying situations, some very similar to our son's, but with different end results. And, as difficult as it can be to let go sometimes, we know it’s God’s plan in the end, not ours. Foster care life is definitely not for the faintest of hearts - but the rewards of the heart have been beyond amazing! Witnessing how our love and devotion has helped each child who comes through our home - no matter how long they stay - is enough for us, and will always be.
- Alissa Marks Silvestri
No comments:
Post a Comment
Your comments warm our hearts.