Comments on: Foster Care Update

By: Gallagher Green

Gallagher Green — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 21:09:16 +0000

I have had a lot going on, so I am a bit late to the fish fry on this one.
This is why I knew you and your husband would be great parents, not in the TV Braidy Bunch (whom I dislike) or Sound of Music (also dislike) fake bull type of way. But that you two would fight for whatever child came to you two, that you would do anything in your power to help and heal the child.
I knew you would be great parents for these forgotten children, not because you two are perfect (because no one is) but because you are both Warriors!

By: Me Ra Koh

Me Ra Koh — Sat, 14 Mar 2020 00:20:03 +0000

This was so vulnerable to share. And even though you are always so open and vulnerable with us…This is on a different level b/c it is about your ups and downs as a mom.

When our kids are doing well, we feel so proud and able to conquer the world. When our kids are suffering, we second guess everything, pray with urgency, wonder what we missed, what we can do better, how we can love more…even if it means tough love.

The heart of a mother tears you apart holds and holds you together at the same time. It is one of the strongest forces I’ve ever known. It will die for another. It will suffer for another. And it will never stop loving whether that love is returned or not.

You are in this powerful space Brooke. The love of a mother is carving a path through your very soul. Like a slow forming canyon with endless layers of color and depth, it’s path is slowly changing you…for the better…and you will never be the same.

Just like being a working artist, parenting needs community. Reach to the ones who speak life and wisdom to you. Find those who are prayer warriors (you’ve got me as one). And the moment you start feeling like you’re failing, pick up the phone. Over the last 20 years, I have found that is a trap. If darkness, not the good kind of darkness but the bad, can convince you to isolate as a parent, be ashamed, feel guilty, the darkness is winning. But the moment you pick up the phone, send a text that even says “Please pray” and that’s all, not only you but your whole family have a fighting chance again.

Do you know how much I love you?
xoxo
m

By: Anna Bruce

Anna Bruce — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 20:09:14 +0000

Someday we’ll share a hot beverage and share stories involving guilt and children. My best friend was/is a foster mom. The grueling experiences she went through, I would not wish on anyone. However, what you are doing IS a wonderful thing (not saying this to make you feel guilty in anyway) but it is so hard and there are so many moments that suck and so much unfairness in having little power of say and not knowing when the child might leave. But as you said, you are making a difference in his life and no matter what, I pray that that impact will stay with him all throughout his life. This experience will only make you stronger as a person even if it breaks you first. Even though I am not a close friend, know that you really do have someone to talk to/ vent to/ be listened.

By: brookeshaden

brookeshaden — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 13:33:14 +0000

In reply to Lucas. Lucas, your friendship and outreach have meant everything to me. I'm so grateful that kind and honest people like you are out there. My boy plays with his monkey everyday and your words have touched me beyond belief.

By: Lucas

Lucas — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 03:07:21 +0000

Brooke – As one of the people who expressed admiration to you, I feel terrible for adding to the anxiety. That said, I cannot help but respect and admire you more for persevering in the face of such circumstances. Parenthood under typical conditions (whatever that means) can be pretty rough. I can relate to many of the questions you raise about the impact you’re having but I cannot imagine the pain of uncertainty you describe nor the heartache brought on by the abstract yet imminent threat of your foster son’s departure.

I’m convinced that no parent is always at their best, and mistakes/overreactions/tears/uncertainty are part of the experience, for better or worse. At least I rarely know what I’m doing. All of that said, the same things that made me express my confidence in your parenting abilities are on display in this post. There is no cliche, platitude, or silver-bullet-wisdom that covers the range of scenarios and emotions that come with the job. I’m sure that’s twice as true as a foster parent. For all of the challenges you describe, I can’t help but zoom out and observe that you’re figuring it all out… a day at a time, and that is praiseworthy parenting.

Your fan,

Lucas W

By: Nick Cormier

Nick Cormier — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 23:09:39 +0000

My wife and I did fostering for a year. It was the hardest, yet, more rewarding year of our lives. I feel your words and they bring me back to that year. Sending you lots of love!

By: Margherita Introna

Margherita Introna — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 19:23:01 +0000

You have been on my mind a lot the last few days as I have been wanting to send you an email. Something you said the other day really touched me and it has been in my heart ever since. But I know I will need some time before I can put my feelings into words… so until then, I just wanted to send you a hug, love and light <3 xx

By: Elizabeth Haen

Elizabeth Haen — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 18:23:01 +0000

Thank you for sharing what you can and so openly. I have been thinking of you so much these past few months, know that it's a tough road to walk and knowing that you would find your way through it. Sending continued love as you figure out what the future looks like one day at a time

By: Vincent

Vincent — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 17:50:08 +0000

It’s a beautiful thing you’re doing!!

By: Kim standish

Kim standish — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 16:50:29 +0000

You know how to be compassionate. You know how to love. I’m a special education teacher of students with emotional disabilities. I teach middle school. There are many days without answers. They often don’t express themselves in a way that we are familiar with. Most of their behaviors are their way of filling a need. Many don’t have consistent routines or people they can count on. Loving someone and helping them understand that there is someone there to meet their needs is soooo much of their struggle. You know how to love. You are compassionate. He is blessed to have you in his life.