I understand many of us have a disabled on here and wouldn't ever dream of giving them away but I'm not sure many have been in Julia Hollanders situation. I have been in the exact situation. Many disabilities are not apparent until the child misses milestones, few are given the bleak future Julia and I were
At five days old, I was told my daughter had suffered a brain injury, so severe, she would never walk, talk or even communicate in any way. She had the same black hole. To be told this, whilst that child is on a ventilator and had not even been in your arms is devastating. I can imagine how bonding can be difficult to start. I was told by a professor, to walk away and leave her at the hospital and that was the best cause of action. I didn't but can understand those that do
I understand that Imogen screamed, non stop, for a year. A few months of that, with doctors telling you she understands nothing, including sense of self and being, thinking it will never end as the brain injury is causing it, I can see how it is possible to think I can't do this
Also, in foster care, the carers have help. Mere parents do not get this help early, if at all. Respite and extra carers can be found for foster carers. Tania has mentioned this in interviews before
None of know how much input (money or time) that Julia puts into the care of Imogen, so who are we to criticise. I think you'll find this is no longer a foster care setup, so the state is unlikely to be picking up the tab anymore
I personally think, she is brave to speak of her feelings. She didn't hurt Imogen, she put her somewhere safe. She thought it, she didn't do it. If we have those feelings, we bury them, through fear of what others will think of us