Tonight I am packing a suitcase while my heart aches

[bloodywhitecat]

And I have a huge lump in my throat, you see the case I am packing is the case of 3 year old Dear Foster Child and all being well DFC moves in with their new family at the end of this week. We have shared a year together, a year in which the terrified child who hid at every sound, who wouldn't say 'Boo' to a goose, who wouldn't ask for food but would guard it has become a more confident, funny little person. The child who was terrified of other children and would freeze, rooted to the spot if another child came near is popular at preschool and frequently says "My friend xxxx".

I have seen DFC with their new family and it is absolutely the right thing for them but my heart is breaking just a little (and please don't say "I couldn't do that, I'd get too attached", the whole point is you do get too attached. How else could you parent them?).

Selfishly I am dreading the day they go because I can't even have a hug from a friend but I know this is the right time for this to be happening for DFC.

Oh OP you're amazing

what an amazing thing you’ve done OP.

You should be very proud

What an amazing thing you have done for this child. They are on the road to a good life and you have set the foundations for that.

I’m sorry it’s so hard. You are Avery special person

What an incredibly selfless thing you have done for your DFC, you should be so proud!

You poor soul

But it's thanks to you she has grown in confidence, you've given her so much and it seems like she's given you so much too

Is there a way you get to stay in touch?

You have done an amazing thing.

You have helped change your DFC life for the better. I have seen how a loving, caring foster parent, who gets too attached, can help a child/young person & it's honestly amazing. You're allowed to feel sad

You have given your wee charge a sense of self and a little pair of wings.

They will hopefully fly high and proud because of the gifts you gave them.

They are away with a piece of your heart for a reason. They will hold tight and never forget you.

And you sound as though you’ve plenty of heart and love to spare

You're an incredible person.

A handhold lass.

You've made my cry OP. You are wonderful and I'm so so glad there are people like you out there doing what you do.

Op you are so incredible, reading your post made me tear up! You should be so so proud. You are the total opposite of ‘selfish’
You may not have given that child the gift of life but you have given them the gift of a life

You sound like an amazing person.

I hope that little girl has an amazing, loving life with her new family. You’ve done the absolute best to set her up for that

please don't say "I couldn't do that, I'd get too attached", the whole point is you do get too attached. How else could you parent them?

This statement is incredible. What an amazing parent

Thank you so much for doing this

You are amazing and fantastic. I wish I could do what you do, the thought still scares me a little but you went for it. You will have given DFC such an amazing chance at life

How fabulous, what a lovely story. You have given this child so much. and for you

It's very clear that you love your DFC and I think you're amazing.

This is so beautiful OP. I won’t say I’m sorry you are hurting because that hurt comes from the same attachment that you have told us allows you to parent your DFC so amazingly. But I hope that the pride and joy you feel in your DFC and the change you have seen in them can outweigh the ache of them leaving for their new family.

I have a beautiful DS who came to me when he was 1. Without his amazing foster family I have no doubt he would be a different little boy. I am eternally grateful for the wonderful love, care and support they gave him and I hope they are always in his life. From an adoptive parent I say 'thank you'

That is so sad, but sounds like you've done an amazing job.

Too attached? Same as saying too much love. Absolutely no such thing and absolutely essential to repair the wound left by an unfortunate start in life. You’ve given that child the repair they need to be able to go to their forever family. Amazing. And absolutely normal for you to cry about it. Grief is the price we pay for love. You are amazing, really. 💕

You should be very proud OP. You have healed that child and laid the foundations for the, to move on and grow in a stable and loving home.

Feel proud and feel that love. You have done a wonderful thing. Thank you. The world needs more people like you.

You are an amazing person OP.

I know it is not the same as a real hug but I am sure I am not the only one sending you a virtual hug

As a foster child myself when younger, your selfless and kind actions will remain with your foster child forever.
Sending you a virtual hug.

I'm in awe of you.
x a million.