My son and daughter-in-law have fostered over 30 children in 6 1/2 years. They are believers of families being reunited and rejoice when it occurs.
They fostered and loved Isaac since birth. He was a week away from turning 4 when he left. His sister, Mariah, joined them at 5 1/2 and was with them for shy of 2 years.
The process of adoption had begun. Yet, it was not to be.
A judge ruled they were to be adopted by family the children did not know, 3 states away. He gave the foster parents less than 18 hours to prepare, pack and say goodbye to their children.
Foster care has many successes and it is a joy to stand in the gap on behalf of the children. However, this event was gut wrenching. Hearts were broken and man’s system and process failed the children. Because they left? No. Because they were not considered.
But Father God considered them and He was in the midst of their fears and tears. He promised them a peace that cannot be understood, a love that will never fail, and plans that are good. We trust Him and believe Him.
This letter came from His heart beating in my heart 12 hours before it broke.
Oct 17, 2014
From one grandmother’s heart to another…
I want to first say I am not angry. But, I am very, very sad. The thought of saying goodbye to Mariah (not her real name), who I have come to love as my own is very difficult. And then, Isaac (not his real name), who we have loved since birth is equally as difficult.
But, this is the decision that has been made, and so I pray blessings upon you, your daughter who will care for them as her own, and for your son, as their father. I am sure there is joy for his children to be with their aunt and grandmother.
I don’t know how many grandchildren you have, but I have 7. I know their skin color and mine are obviously different. The very sweet part of it all is that their heart and my heart both beat red….with love for each other.
I will always love Mariah and Isaac.
I pray they will bless you and your family with the joy, laughter and fun that our family was blessed with.
I promise I will pray God’s provision, protection and presence as the days of transition occur. I pray, while they will not be easy, they will be filled with peace. For your sake and theirs.
Speaking heart to heart, if you would ever feel comfortable letting them write us a note, or even call, I would be forever grateful.
I know the past several months may appear our families are at odds…but we aren’t. We both love the same children with all our hearts, that’s all
Please whisper to them now and again that “Tiki (that’s what they call me) loves them.” And will you give them a kiss for me?
Peace be with you – Tiki
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Teresa married her best friend, David, and blended their families together almost 29 years ago. Technically, they have 3 grandchildren but claim an additional 16, as one of their sons and his wife are foster parents. Teresa lives in Kennesaw, Georgia and just celebrated her 62nd birthday. She is a retired bookkeeper, avid tennis player, and now a missionary with Operation Mobilization USA.