October 3, 2023
by Maralee
Comments Off on Making The Case for Toys
I was at a training about a month ago where a retired judge talked about the importance of creating a welcoming climate for kids who come to court. As part of his presentation he held up a board book and … Continue reading
November 10, 2022
by Maralee
Comments Off on Foster Kids Don’t Have Birthparents
Yesterday I was driving my six kids to a foster parent training class when one of my children said, “I want to see that Kung Fu Panda movie. The one where he finds his REAL dad.” I felt my stomach … Continue reading
August 16, 2022
by Maralee
Comments Off on To Octavia, On Your Adoption Day
Dear Tavia, The day we’ve waited for is here and I can’t wait to get you all dressed up in your yellow lace dress and take you to court so we can make it official. I spent hours and hours … Continue reading
June 9, 2022
by Maralee
Comments Off on My Son and The Baby Sister He Didn’t Want (a love story)
For many years I have been telling nervous potential foster parents that if God is asking you to become a foster family, he is also asking your kids. I have encouraged parents to talk to their children, include them in … Continue reading
June 1, 2022
by Maralee
Comments Off on We Are Living in Adoption Purgatory
A letter arrived in the mail today. It was unexpected. It had a return address I’ve seen many times before and when it’s expected, it just feels like a piece of information for me to take in. A court date. … Continue reading
January 12, 2022
by Maralee
Comments Off on Losing The Doctor That Knew My Baby Before I Did
Our family is going through an unexpected loss. Our pediatrician passed away. When I told my kids, my daughter said, “And wasn’t she your friend too?” She was. Not in the way my daughter thought. I didn’t know her personally … Continue reading
September 9, 2020
by Maralee
Comments Off on Every Baby Deserves to be Celebrated. Especially Foster Babies.
A couple months ago my neighbors brought home their premature twins after a lengthy hospital stay. It was a joyous occasion as our cul-de-sac hung streamers from trees and balloons on their porch. We lined the street and applauded as … Continue reading
July 30, 2020
by Maralee
Comments Off on I Am My Foster Child’s Umbrella
I got up early this morning– no easy feat when you’re dealing with the sleep interruptions of having a newborn in the house. I got up early so I could get a child ready for a visit. A quick morning … Continue reading
May 27, 2020
by Maralee
1 Comment
Dear Parents of Foster Parents, I remember when I called my mom and told her I was now raising seven boys– most of them teenagers. My husband and I were working at a group home. We started with four boys … Continue reading
February 27, 2020
by Maralee
Comments Off on A Time to Shatter the Functional to Make way for the Beautiful
We walked through the door because it was called “The Shard Shop” and that’s just a name that calls out to you. Our friend uses the word “shard” to describe the shattering of your heart that happens when something is … Continue reading