Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Dear Little One

**This is a letter to our foster child and probably could be speaking to so many children in care right now.  I cannot include details but my hope is that our Little One will know that they are/were loved by us.  It is likely that at some time in 2016 this child will return home and I'm starting to prepare my heart.**

Dear Little One,

I write this letter to let you know that you are loved.  I didn't expect to fall in love with you as you are the very first Little One we've welcomed into our home.  I thought I would care for you and treat you like my biological kids but I didn't expect that I would feel like you were one of my kids.  I didn't anticipate the intense heart-bursting mama pride at your Christmas concert.  I didn't expect my own kids, your "brothers" and "sister", to fall in love with you so hard and so fast, either.  I didn't think my youngest would embrace sharing the role of the littlest with you; she loves you so much – especially when you jump on the couch or race down the hallway together or hug each other when you've been apart for any amount of time.  You have melted our hearts and we will miss you so much when you return home to your Mama.  We know that your Mama loves you, too.



It's hard for me because you are so young and I don't think you will remember us.  I hope that you will look through the photos that I give you and have snippets of memories of all the fun that we had together; from feeding chickens to pumpkin patches to trick-or-treating to just reading on the couch – I loved experiencing it all through your eyes.  Seeing you go door-to-door collecting candy was a highlight for me, it was pure joy for you.  And me.



Your smile melts my heart and that of everyone around you.  Your "Hi, mama!" with rapid arm waving each morning is a wonderful start to my day. The way you jump up and down on the front porch, happily screaming and pointing "Dada! Dada! Dada!" when he comes home from work, makes us all grin.  Your kind heart for Nya is so appreciated; the way you embrace her with a hug and a kiss when she is hurt makes us all feel better.

I don't know what path your life will take when you leave us but I am hopeful that you will continue with your zest for life – I admire the way you go, go, go!  I hope that you will always give your love (smiles/hugs/greetings) to those around you as  you have the ability to brighten so many people's days.  I hope that you continue to embrace music and books; I love seeing your joy over these things and you can take them with you wherever you go.  I want you to know that even if we are not nearby that you are in our hearts and prayers.  We love you and want the very best for you.



When I look around the classroom and see a teenage version of what you might look like, I wonder what life will be like for you and what kind of teenager you will be.  My prayer is that you feel loved, known, and safe.  You are so special and we are incredibly thankful that we were able to spend as much time with you as we did.

We love you. God loves you. We will miss you.

Love,
Mama C.

19 comments:

  1. Aww what a lucky little one, I hope everything is bright in their future. What a wonderful thing to do to open your heart that way.

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    1. It's pretty amazing that by "just" parenting, you can make such a difference!

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  2. Tears. I don't know how you are going to let him go when its time. My heart hurts for you. God bless you for being a foster mom.

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    1. I don't know! I currently have permission to visit when it does happen but we'll see if that changes...

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  3. You are doing a beautiful thing for this little one. Your love will be remembered always. xo

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  4. Amazing. I've been watching a show called The Fosters on Netflix recently. Have you seen it before? As I watch that show I think often about how the world needs more amazing foster parents to make kids feel safe, loved and wanted. It's really neat to see this in real life here on your site.

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    1. Someone else mentioned this show, I think I do need to check it out! It's just been really eye-opening how "just" parenting this child like my own has resulted in such growth!! I hope more people open their homes :)

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  5. Very sweet Mama C! Little One is so lucky to have you!!

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    1. We're lucky to have our Little One :)

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  6. Beautiful letter, Louise!

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  7. When my parents fostered when we were younger my Mom made a photo album for one of my foster sisters. When she moved from our home we lost contact with her and over 15 years later she was showing a friend that album...the friend was my cousin!

    What a special keepsake for Little One to bring with them!

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  8. You have a very large heart.

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  9. Wow, Louise! This letter is intense and touching. Hope you saved it offline too? I'm sure when you baby grows and read this letter, he/she will be very proud of you. Thank you.

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