My foster child is leaving this Friday, sob

[Flower3554]

Hi everyone, We have been foster carers for 19 years and at the moment specialise in newborns who are going for adoption. Our latest placement has been with us since he was 4 days old and he is now 6 months old. He is the most darling little boy and I'm going to miss him so much. He is currently into introductions to his new family and these are going really well. After visiting him at our house for the last few days today I had to take him to their home and leave him with them until bedtime when they will bring him home and do his bedtime routine.
I can't explain what it felt like coming back to my empty home but I'm dreading Friday when he leaves for good.

I admire you so much, I could not do that.

my parents did similar when I was a child and don't think the goodbyes got any easier. Are you "allowed" to keep in touch these days ?

flower, it must be heartbreaking.

Lovely to know he's had a loving home right from the start and that he is going somewhere good now.

Thanks everyone, keeping in touch is left very much up to the adopters. Some do, some drive off and you never hear from them again which is soul destroying for us. My last two little ones families keep in touch and as they live within driving distance have even brought them back to see us. I know from experience I do come to terms with them leaving after a while but those first few weeks are so empty. My fostering service has put me down for an as yet unborn baby due on December 5th and planning and getting things ready helps me keep busy.
Please think of me at 9am Friday morning as I will be in a heap behind my front door.

foster parents = unsung heroes

you are to be admired HUGELY

for you

i will think of you on friday

x

Will think of you too - you are an angel, you know x x x

Oh my goodness, Flower. What an amazing thing you're doing.

Flower... can't even imagine how it must feel. Will be thinking of you Friday. xxx

you sound like a very special woman. My heart goes out to you now and will definitely be thinking of you on Friday xx
So pleased that you have another little one to think about arriving so soon, I am sure that will provide some comfort over the next couple of weeks.xx
Can I ask, do you have any of your own children?

you are very kind to risk having your heart broken so often.

oh flower be strong, you've done the most amazing thing. I really admire you. A big hug for friday.

Thank you all, you are all so kind. We have 3 children of our own who are all grown up and left home now. Our eldest just had her 30th birthday. It sometimes staggers me to think that I've been changing nappies for 30 years!!!

I admire you so much! You have given the greatest of gifts to these children. You must be an amazing lady. Good Luck on Friday.

Wow you are an amazing person, I know I couldn't do that.

I would like to foster (any age) but this is the one aspect I don't think I could cope with. What an amazing start you give these little ones.

Definitely an unsung hero. What an amazing thing to do.

(I didn't think there would be much call for fostering new babies before adoption these days as so many girls keep their babies).

Will think of you on Friday. Hopefully you will be able to keep in touch.

Once again many thanks to you all, it's really helped me to have so many people wishing me luck.
Well his new Mummy and Daddy have gone home for their last night alone, my family, less hubby who is working in London and wont be home til Friday next week, and all of our friends have been in to say their goodbyes and its just me and the little one for our last night together. I have cried so much I cant see but I know his new family are top notch and love him to bits and, have promised to keep in touch with us. I have told them to get a bottle of wine and a takeaway and enjoy their freedom for the last time for many years to come. I intend to make the most of my last cuddles and kisses and try to be strong tomorrow.

Will be thinking of you tomorrow. You really are amazing for taking on such a wonderful, but heartbreaking job. Well done.

Good luck to your little boy with his new family.

enjoy tonights cuddles

x

flower, what an amazing job you are doing

I'll think of you on Friday morning

I am so choked reading this thread. Have a wonderful eveining with your little one, and comfort youself knowing that you have done such an amazing thing for him. He sounds like a little star and that is all down to your love and care. I hope his new family do keep in touch. I will be thinking of you tomorrow.

Flower3554 i know what your going through,my 2 foster children left me 5weeks ago (i had them for 2 yrs,the little one from 6 months)and i still miss themand i am still finding toys/socks of theirsI feel guilty for making them go,guilty for not being there for them its horrible.So i am thinking of you tomorrow xxxxxx

Flower have a huge ((((hug)))).

I know several foster parents and know that this is the most difficult part of the job. Many go away for a few weeks after hand over and then return feeling a bit lost till they have a new placement.