October 2022

Closing in on 1,000 isn’t “lucky”

Sprout has been in foster care 921 days. By the time we get to court next, it’ll have been 963 days. I am a nervous wreck. I don’t know what to expect in court other than an excruciatingly emotional day. I’ve worked as a lawyer in the system but never got to this stageContinue reading “Closing in on 1,000 isn’t “lucky””

A perspective I didn’t expect to gain

I have to say, waking up and putting on modest clothing and a hijab on Sundays so I can take Sunny to Arabic school is strange. I’m finding it both liberating and restrictive at the same time. I’m on a podcast kick right now, and have been listening to several that feature Muslims living theirContinue reading “A perspective I didn’t expect to gain”

A Happy Shindig

Tonight we went to a barn dance at the farm where Sprout rides horses. It’s a program primarily for disabled people, so most folks who ride there have physical or intellectual disabilities or both. It’s an amazing program. I found it a JOY to be surrounded by people who weren’t giving the kids weird looks.Continue reading “A Happy Shindig”

Training, Daily

Every year I’m asked by our agency if I’ve done any “training” on foster parenting. It’s part of our recertification process and I want to talk a little about the training I do almost daily. To become a foster parent, there is a training requirement. It’s a class, which for us was 11 weeks IContinue reading “Training, Daily”

About that “Village” Thing

Twice now I’ve gotten dressed in a dress and a hijab and taken Sunny to Arabic class at her mosque. She’s a sight in her own hijab – bursting with pride about being Muslim and looking pretty all dressed up. I so wish I could share pictures of her – she just radiates joy whenContinue reading “About that “Village” Thing”

Working hard, but not Working

Work is where it’s at… or is it? I’ve worked since I was about 15. I first started as a receptionist at my family’s church, plus some babysitting gigs. Then I switched to working at the rare books department of the nearby university. I worked there summers for years, including while I was in college.Continue reading “Working hard, but not Working”