The first adoption class was heart wrenching. These children have been through so much, and you have to wonder if you have the fortitude to help as much as your heart wants to. The class emphasized what the children will likely have been through, and what behaviors they may exhibit because of what they've been through. My general impression is that our job will be to support the children the best way we can, to help them grow up, deal with whatever their situation was before they entered in our life and help them forward. Our challenges can range from a withdrawn child, to one that is behind socially/educationally, to one that outright rejects and resents you being there, sees you as an interloper, all the way to pretty much any extreme you can think of. It may be that we will end up needing as much support as we give our adopted/foster children. It is good to know that there are many ways in which support is available to us, should we want or need it.
After this class I feel more driven for us to do whatever we can to help.
The paperwork is going to be daunting, and I need to take an active role in gathering information and filling out forms. I generally avoid things like that, but I can't expect Susan to do it all. This is a joint effort.
We are making progress on the house checklist, getting ready for the house inspection. Some days I look at the list and it seems manageable, others it feels overwhelming when combined with the things we want to do on top of what we need to do.
We learned that family could attend the classes with us, even if they were not going for certification. We invited my parents along, since they are local. It looks likely that my father will make it for next Saturday's class and possible that my Mom will be there for part of it. It will be great to have one or both of them there and to get their impressions.
Peace, Love and Joy...
Brian
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