An Open Letter to Child from Foster Parents

PS-MAPP Class Homework Assignment:

An Open Letter to Child from Foster Parents

 

Dear Little One(s),

               We have been thinking about you for a long time now. Wherever you are, I'm sure life seems big and scary. We all have days like that sometimes. Please know that you are loved and wanted. There is only one you in all of the world-- our Creator created you special.

               

                My name is Katie and my husband's name is Andrew. Our home has a room that is waiting just for you. Our hearts have a place in them that is waiting to be filled just by you. You see, we are waiting for you. If you are reading this, then life is about to introduce us....finally. There will be some changes in your life and some of them may be scary. I will meet your parents and you will meet mine. There will be many new things. It will be an exciting journey that we will go on together.

            Please know that you have not lost your family, you've just gained some more members. We all love you and will work together to make sure you are safe and happy.

             Welcome to our lives, whether you be in it for a day or for forever, you will remain in our hearts and prayers for an eternity. We  hope you will open your heart to us as we have opened ours for you.

                                                                                                                    Your new friends,

                                                                                                                      Katie & Andrew





An Open Letter to Birth Parents from Foster Parents

PS-MAPP Class Homework Assignment:

An Open Letter to Birth Parents from Foster Parents

Dear Parents, 

            If you are reading this letter, then it is finding you at a difficult time in your life. My husband and I want to express our deepest sympathy. We need you to know that you will receive no judgement from us. We do not know your life story nor what has led you to this day, but we do wish to get to know your child. We understand that though mistakes have been made, you love your child and want him/her to be safe and happy. We wish to work together and extend you grace, as it was extended to us by our Lord and Savior. Our goal is to encourage and support you as you travel your journey to getting your life in order. We only want to help you with that journey and speak hope. In case no one has told you before, there is nothing that you have done that is beyond the grace of God. He can make all things new. He uses desperate, seemingly hopeless situations to create victories. We aspire to be a part of your victory story.

            To ease your mind about your child's whereabouts, let me tell you a little about us and our home. My name is Katie and my husband's name is Andrew. We are both 25 years old and celebrating our 4th year of marriage this summer. I met him at church and said yes to his proposal after only 3 months of dating. He is a huge helpmate to me. He spoils me and will spoil your little one as well. We both graduated from Alice Lloyd College and have our Bachelor's Degree. Andrew is  currently in grad school pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy. He loves sports, fishing, and children. 

            I have a degree in Elementary Education and am taking online master classes to become a reading specialist. I currently teach 1st grade at a wonderful elementary school. So your little one will ride to and from school with me. Our home is made up of gratitude, grace, and grit. We are simple people that enjoy the outdoors and spending time on our front porch. We'll seek to know your child's interests and passions...whatever they may be. 

           We have no children of our own, so we have lots of time and love to spare. It's easy to see that a parent can love more than one child, so we believe that a child can love more than one set of parents. That's the wonderful thing about love: it can be limitless if we let it. Throughout your child's stay, we will encourage your child to maintain a safe and healthy relationship with you, if at all possible. We will never speak badly about you to anyone, especially your child. We anticipate and look forward to the day when you can be permanently reunited with your child. But we want you to know, if that day doesn't come, we have enough love in our hearts to give to your child forever.

            We hope you can open your hearts to us as we already have to you. We pray that we can all work together with the best interest of your child in mind. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our words and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. 

Your new friends, 

Katie & Andrew

10 Things My Momma Taught Me

10 Things My Momma Taught Me

I don't know about you, but my momma is my best friend. I am so very thankful that the Lord blessed me with a God-fearing Momma who has loved the same man (who happens to be my daddy) since she was twelve year olds. She's never even kissed anyone else. I love sharing that about their love story, because I think it is so very special. I could not have picked a better set of parents if I could have looked the world over. I do not take for granted that I was blessed with selfless, dedicated parents. I know how blessed I am to have experienced a long, sweet childhood. It is something that I thank God for often.

My dad jokes that I'm my mom's twin. My sisters got some of her traits, sure, as all offspring do...but not like me. Mom and I are the same person. And yes, there are moments that we clash because we are so very much alike. But ultimately, she's my best friend. I admire her. I crave her approval in all things. And I need to know that she is happy.

As I prepare Mother's Day Activities for my kiddos in my 2nd grade classroom to take home to their mommas, my mind wonders to my own mother. I put together a list of the first 10 words that came to mind.

• Laugh

That was the very first word that came to mind. When I think of my mom and what she has taught me, I think of laughter. She has taught me that it is ok to laugh at yourself. Life is much more enjoyable when you learn to do that. She's taught me that you can't take things too seriously. Laughter is her most common reaction, and I credit her youthful looks to that fact. Growing up, I watched as she chose laughter over tears time and time again. That has made a big impact on the way that I navigate this world. I couldn't count the times I've seen Mom hold her sides, tears rolling down her cheeks from laughter. It's the image I hope stays with me the longest.

• Lip-gloss

Ah, the importance of color on the lip. She'd hound us before we'd go out the door in the morning for high school, before a date, or before church on Sundays. My sister and I use to joke that that's what Momma thought the criteria was for getting into Heaven. Of course, that was just to tease her. Momma isn't vain, and she didn't teach us to be vain. But she did encourage us to take care of our appearance. As I've made my way in the world, I've been thankful for that.

• Smile

I smile as I think about "smiling" memories. I don't just mean from happy ones. I can recall momma whispering warnings to my sister and I in a church pew. She'd be jumping all over us to stop fighting and act right...all through the gritted teeth of a smile. From a few pews over why you'd just think she was telling us how lovely we were. When we were really little, she'd prep us in the car before church mornings by saying, "Girls, you need to smile. Look people in the eye, shake their hands, and tell them good morning." Sharing a smile with people is our duty. It might not be what we always feel like doing, but it's important. I saw the truth in this as my momma had to put her smile back on after we lost my sister. I know there are days when she doesn't feel like smiling, but she does anyway. And I know some of those smiles are just for me.

• Bravery

My momma is a brave lady. I've seen it many times from the simple such as singing in front of congregations to the larger of burying her daughter. Before my daddy was a preacher, he was a coal miner. Both occupations can be very scary ones. She's been right beside of him, being brave the entire time. I can recall countless times growing up where she just jumped into motion when a crisis arose. It's just what mothers do.

• Manners

As children come through my classroom, it's evident to see that all mommas are not teaching manners like mine did. She taught us to say please and thank you. To let an elderly person have our seat. To not interrupt two adults talking. To chew with our mouths shut. To take our shoes off when we entered someone's house. She went beyond the simple one though. She encouraged us to ask other people about their lives and to listen to their answers. I can remember her asking us to compliment at least two other students in our class that day at school. Many times, she reminded us it isn't all about us. She taught me how to make small talk with just about anyone.

• Tactfulness

If manners are dying off, than tactfulness is all but extinct.

Tact- a keen sense of what to say or do to avoid giving offense; skill in dealing with difficult or delicate situations.

Many times my jaw drops at the tactless responses from adults. Some people may just have this keen sense naturally, but others need to be taught. It amazes me how many seem to be clueless. Momma taught us that you don't ask people personal questions. You don't go announce your business (even if it isn't particularly embarrassing-- it's still personal). You don't say names when talking about someone in public places (even if you're not talking badly about them). Take care not to leave people out. Decline invitations politely. Don't ask someone how much something costs, and don't broadcast how much you paid for something. You say thank you for whatever someone gives you-- even if it's the most God-awful thing you've ever seen. (You don't just say thank you. You say thank you while you are smiling a smile that better pass for genuine.) You don't argue in public (even if your voice isn't raised). Think before you speak. Choose your words carefully. And notice who is around you. It's all about being sensitive to others. There's no wonder it's becoming a rare thing. 

• Indulgence

My sweet momma has taught me the beauty of indulgence. You don't just eat a treat, you indulge in it. You don't just take a nap, you indulge in it. There's an art to this, and let me tell you, it makes life so much  more precious. Of course, too much indulgence could be a bad thing. You can't indulge in everything...but it does have a time and place. Momma has shown me just how much fun life can be. The simple things. Embrace them. Slow down and actively embrace the pleasure.

• Sacrifice

Momma sacrificed over and over again. Growing up, we never wanted for anything. We had the newest clothes, shoes, and gadgets. We had cars when we turned 16. We had vacations and opportunities. We were always given the full nine yards for every event in our lives. And not because we have money to spare, but because Momma did without. Momma put her girls first, always. She still does. You can't accurately describe the sacrifice that goes into that, except that it's selfless.

• Beauty

I've always said that if Dads make the world a more safe place to live, than Moms make it a more beautiful one. When I think of my mom, I think of her pointing out the beauty in life. She does it so often it's just part of who she is. She'll point to a painted barn sign as we pass by on the road. She'll point to the pink in the sky as the sun sets. She'll point out the stitching on a quilt or notice the sound that water makes against the bank. She notices the simple, every day things. She appreciates their beauty. It's not only what she sees, but also what she does. I couldn't imagine what my life would have been like without her making things beautiful for me. She has a way of putting her touch on something and changing it. She's fixed countless articles of clothing and formal dresses, painted walls, decorated cakes, and laid out tablescapes. She has also taught me that beauty is a verb and not an adjective. You need to be a beautiful person from the inside.

• Love

And of course, there's love. No one loves like a momma does. It's sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional. It's given freely and forever. I know that I always have someone on my side. Fighting my battles. Feeling my pain. Celebrating my joy. Listening and caring and praying.

Happy Mother's Day to all women who have dedicated their lives to raising a child. It is the most important job. May God bless you.