Category: family life
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Adoption: Love Takes Time (and Grace)
On the shuttle bus from the airport to the hotel, just a few minutes after meeting Ashley for the first time, I had a little revelation. She was talking about her pregnancy (seriously adorable baby bump!), and I realized what I’m missing with these two new children of mine: Pregnancy. Hearts and minds need time…
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Foster Adoption: Challenges for the New Family
“Sometimes it’s hard having a new family,” said the five-year-old, as Ken pushed her on the swing. Yes, it is. For all of us. I’ve talked about how crazy and difficult things must be from the perspective of our new 4- and 5-year-old. But this post is about how foster adoption affects the rest of the…
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Grief and Denial: Head vs Heart
I’ve taken training classes about helping others through grief; I’ve read books and articles on the subject, been a listening ear for friends trudging their way through it. I know denial is the first “stage” of grief. I suppose I’ve often pictured it rather dramatically. A heart-wrenching scene, possibly even accompanied by sobbing and/or hysterics….
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Foster Adoption: Sense of Humor Required
This adventure with two new kids in the family requires a sense of humor. Thankfully, Ken has that in spades, and his humor helps me keep my sanity. I’ve managed not to actually pull out my hair (yet!) but there are times I’ve considered it. The non-stop dirt bike sound effects make me a little…
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Remembering My Dad
A week ago today, my dad passed on. We knew the end was near but, stubborn as ever, my dad went on his own time. He’d had a horrible night. I am forever grateful to his longtime friend for staying overnight with him at the hospice center; I don’t know how I would’ve dealt with…