Tuesday, January 04, 2011

What I've Learned So Far

I need to get one thing straight.

I am NOT a mommy blogger.

I am a mom who blogs.

I blog about our kids, and the process, and our triumphs, successes and defeats. I share our pains, and our joys with you, the general public, in hopes that one day, I can inspire, influence, and encourage. Adoption, particularly adoption through the Foster Care system, is a cause that is near and dear to my heart.

I've learned that there is NEVER enough information given to prospective parents. I've learned that you need to throw out everything you've ever imagined your family will be. I've learned that there is no magic button to assist with attachment. I've learned that children who have been through so many placements will enact coping mechanisms that will often surprise and sometimes shock you. I've learned that even the youngest child can be cynical. I've learned that the things that make me sad about the way that some adults treat our children is nothing compared to what I actually see.

I've learned that it is a thin line between love and hate, and sometimes children don't see that line, or they tend to confuse the two.

The biggest thing I've learned is that I'm still learning. And the biggest thing that has surprised me is that I have a capacity for love and a fierce protectiveness that extends to children that are not biologically mine.

I'm still learning.

5 comments:

~becky said...

Girl - - we adopted ours as newborns and I'm STILL learning!!!

Praying for you all!!!

Michelle said...

Hugs Stina. If anyone, you have the perserverance to get through the hard times to the good times that are waiting for you.

Kelly said...

Just read all the posts about the adoptions. What an amazing gift you have been given and they also by getting you. Enjoy every second, look forward to reading more of the journey.

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Kelly
www.mytimepassages.com

Anonymous said...

Sending hugs, blessings and prayers ...

Anderjam said...

I am so glad that you are doing this, so i can learn some things as we go through our adoption of an older child through foster care.

We finally decided to go though a private agency though, not the county. Definitely much more helpful, informative and quicker.

Thank you for leading the way! You are my Hero (aka stalker) LOL

Tammy