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.

Reading that made me all misty-eyed as well.

I wish I had the words to say how wonderful what you're doing is.

They'll never forget you. What an amazing thing you have done for that tiny child.

You've done an amazing job and given your little person the best start in life. Will they be allowed to keep in touch?

Thank you, OP. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you for sharing your love and your pain. Thank you for what you do for that one child - each one child. You are changing the world. Thank your lovely DH too.

In this time of sadness and loss and pain, we need to share stories like this. Sending a virtual hug, as you fill that suitcase with love.

No consolation at the mo, but we are still in touch with ds former foster carers after 19 years! He left them when he was 6 after two years with them amidst many tears. We are Facebook friends with their adult birth children, sent them photo's of his graduation etc. It doesn't have to end- ever x

You're amazing OP! I'm crying reading!

oh op huge hugs

If it wasn’t for my very strongly dosed anti depressants I’d be crying too! I wish I could Foster.

I wish DFC the happiest life, full of adventures (even if they’re just a tent made out of a sheet covered chair at the moment) and a feeling of security. OP you’ve done an amazing thing xxx

You and your DH are amazing people.

The gift of forming an attachment to you at such a young age is exactly what that young child needed. You have played a huge role in setting them up for their future mental well-being. The connections in their brain that needed to be made were made because of the love and care you gave them.

As an adoptive parent I can't thank you enough for teaching children to love and trust. You are amazing.

You are a wonderful person 🥰

Congratulations to you OP.....its taken your hard work to change the confidence in DFC....I'm proud of you both!!!!!

OP, you and your DH are amazing, and should be very proud of all you've done for your DFC.
Best of luck for the transition

Your post made me tear up. You're amazing, OP, just amazing.

Thanks for sharing your heartfelt story with us. What you have given him is priceless.💐

Reading this made me a bit teary. As an adoptive mum I can't imagine how hard it must be to love them and let them go, but you are doing a wonderful thing and your love is the foundation for their future relationships and happiness.

I hope it goes smoothly for you

Much respect and admiration.

OP, you’re wonderful and thank you for doing such a great job.You’ve made this child’s life worth living after not such a good start.
A very big hug 🤗💐💕

You are a wonderful and incredible person, who has changed a child’s life

This is a beautiful post OP. You and your husband have given DFC and their new adoptive family the best gift ever.

You are fabulous OP.
Sorry you are hurting. I hope you get real life support from your agency.

Tearful here too, good on you OP. What an incredible lifelong difference you have made.