The meeting at the RTC on Tuesday consisted of Social Worker, Social Worker supervisor, Foster Family's Social Worker, Attorney, Former Foster parents and their adult child (for the sibling perspective) RTC caseworker, RTC and Division Placement Liaison and us. After we met for an hour and a a half and they answered our questions we had a casual/informal introduction to the (not so little) Little Guy while he visited with his former foster family (who remains in touch for holidays and periodic visits).
We then went to get our boys and take them to dinner and discuss bringing an 8 year old boy from RTC to the house. Bobby's first happy, excited question: "Oh!!! Are we adopting him?!!!!". He was a little sad when I said we didn't know if he was available for adoption....I'm taking that as a good sign.
James didn't know why a kid would live at RTC so I explained that sometimes foster families weren't available or available in the town you wanted to live in and you had to wait, and Bobby piped up and said it was also for kids with BIG behaviors. Bobby should know as he came to our family from the same RTC at the age of 8 in the summer of 2007 with his own set of BIG behaviors. BIG, BIG behaviors, which are teeny, tiny, now.
James was still looking a little confused about why a kid would live in a RTC. Sigh.
As we are getting ready to leave the restaurant, Bobby leans up against me, smiles a freckle faced grin and says "I was a frickin' blowup THEN and NOW look at me!" I laughed so hard. Truer words were never spoken....My boy has come a long, long, way.....
Wow. Amazing. Fantastic transition.
ReplyDeleteYou've helped create a wonderful resource in Bobby for the lil guy.
The change in Bobby is great evidence that how you care do is healing.
WOW. Totally inspiring. ALL of you.
(ps: that photo looks like you're standing in front of a wall of giant penises on sticks. What ARE they)
Fifi - I can tell you are NOT from New England! Those are lobster buoys...they float in the water and are attached by line to the lobster traps which sink to the ocean/bay floor. They are painted in a unique pattern by the owner of the traps so as to distinguish them from the hundreds of others traps that may be set in the water...Buoys come loose when traps are lost, can wash ashore and are collected and displayed....It's a New England Thing....
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm thrilled for the little man that he is coming to such an amazing family. Great that Bobby can see and reflect in what his behavior was like once, that says so much. Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteThis post makes me so happy! Praying for your whole family during this transition!
ReplyDeleteBobby....LOL! That is really funny and I have so enjoyed reading of his progress. Love it when foster care gets it right.
ReplyDeleteSweet, wonderful story.
ReplyDeleteThat was a lot of people in your meeting! That is wonderful! In all of my forum and blog reading, this may be the first time I've read of pre-placement foster meeting of that magnitude. Wonderful!!!! Too bad that can't always be the case. Your Bobby sounds like a riot!
ReplyDeleteLove this story of foster care gone right... and your whole family having a chance to think and adjust to a new prospective family member. Love the empathy in Bobby.
ReplyDeleteAnd "penises on sticks." HA! I'm never going to look at them the same!
That 8 year old's luck is about to turn around in a big way. I'll be praying for just the right fit.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I can not get enough Bobby stories. He's awesome!
Wishing you all the best in this new adventure... I wish our social workers would be half as rule keeping. :)
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful to hear about "foster care getting it right"! And smiling because of Bobby :) You guys are amazing!!!!
ReplyDeleteomg, I miss you guys. i didn't hug you enough! i just didn't hug you enough. not even close. like 10 more hugs would have been a a smidge closer to filling my hug quota for you two. crap. i need to hug you.
ReplyDeletehappy new son, maybe?
and wow on your bobby. how I wish my Sissy could be that cognizant ...
Awesome!!! Love the cake and sign welcoming you home, that is great!!
ReplyDelete