There is a first time for everything but I did not have this one as a possibility. I woke up with a huge migraine headache. It was a visit day and I always take "Little Man" to see his Mommy. Problem is, this migraine was the one I get about once a month and it lasts 3 days. The kind you can't even open your eyes or else you will vomit right where you stand. There was no way I could drive. I called my Angel's worker and it was a simple "...call the social worker and let her know she will have to do the visit for you and provide transportation." Easy Cheesy right?! I stayed in my pajamas all day and waited for the transportation worker to pick up "Little Man". 15 minutes till their expected arrival my stomach started to turn. I began to think about what was really going on. Some stranger is going to take my baby and won't be back for hours!! Ummm... OK. Praying was the only immediate solution I could muster strength for. I can only hope the Big Guy will watch over "Little Man" for me and bring him back safe and sound. So, his worker shows up with an assistant for help with the transport. A young guy, very nice. OK, they are gone. The door shuts and I am relieved to be able to sleep with no worries of the baby waking but on the other hand...where is my baby??
A few hours later, I wake up and Erwin is home with "Little Man" in his arms. The transport and visit went smoothly. The workers even had a chance to sit down with Erwin and share some details about the case. Funny thing though, right when Erwin opened the door upon their return, he couldn't help but recognize the assistant social worker. It happened to be one of his students from a few years back. Andy said the car in the driveway looked familiar but dismissed it thinking it just couldn't be Mr. Mac. The two caught up a bit and laughed at this crazy reunion. Later, Erwin told me how impressed he was at the man this once unruly student had become. Our "Little Man" was in safe, caring hands. The Big Guy took care of things after all.
Good Night!
:) Amy
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Friday, March 8, 2013
The check is in the mail
Money is always a question that comes up when people find out we are foster parents. "Do you have to pay for all of his stuff?" "How much money do you make?" "You get paid right?"
I don't get offended by these questions. I am actually amused. They usually come from people who don't understand why we are taking care of other people's babies to begin with. And then add the fact that we don't get paid for it... Phew, that really throws them. Bottom line is this. It's not a secret that I have always wanted more kids. People know that I adore being a Mom! A lot of people know that I am obsessed with helping everyone. Helping with the good days and the bad days. I just enjoy serving others. Well, there it is. I am able to be a Mom and help other families at the same time. Money has never been a part of any of this equation. It still isn't today.
My answer to the questions is always the same. "We don't get paid to Foster. We do get a stipend from the County to reimburse us for the costs of raising the child. It covers the diapers, the clothes, the extra food, the gas for all the visits and Dr's appts, etc. "Little Man" is covered through MediCal and he is signed up for WIC which takes care of his formula and most of his food. So, no we don't have extra money in our pockets. We just have extra love in our heart and home." All of this comes through with the same smile on my face. It's honestly a measly detail for us. Well, most of the time.
"Little Man" came to us October 26th of last year. That would be 4 weeks before Thanksgiving, 5 weeks before Abby's birthday and 8 weeks before Christmas. Needless to say, expenses were flowing. The check doesn't come right when you get a child. Not only were we given 6 hours notice that there was a 2-day old ready for us to pick up from the hospital but he was coming to us with a onesie and a blanket from the hospital. It got kind of crazy scrambling for hand me downs, diapers and many other little things. Angel's always brings an amazing goody bag with lots of donated items. Clothes, formula, diapers, etc. It lasts for about 2 weeks. The county takes so long!! We didn't receive any compensation till the 2nd week of December. I can't tell you how exciting it was to find that check in the mailbox. Oh baby! We could breathe and our holidays could commence.
"Why do you put yourself through that?" I respond the only way I know how,"Who else is going to?" In February, Angel's had to turn away 3 babies that needed homes. For us, it's not an option not to. There are so many more ups than there are downs. It's just worth it, every step of the way.
Good Night!
:)Amy
I don't get offended by these questions. I am actually amused. They usually come from people who don't understand why we are taking care of other people's babies to begin with. And then add the fact that we don't get paid for it... Phew, that really throws them. Bottom line is this. It's not a secret that I have always wanted more kids. People know that I adore being a Mom! A lot of people know that I am obsessed with helping everyone. Helping with the good days and the bad days. I just enjoy serving others. Well, there it is. I am able to be a Mom and help other families at the same time. Money has never been a part of any of this equation. It still isn't today.
My answer to the questions is always the same. "We don't get paid to Foster. We do get a stipend from the County to reimburse us for the costs of raising the child. It covers the diapers, the clothes, the extra food, the gas for all the visits and Dr's appts, etc. "Little Man" is covered through MediCal and he is signed up for WIC which takes care of his formula and most of his food. So, no we don't have extra money in our pockets. We just have extra love in our heart and home." All of this comes through with the same smile on my face. It's honestly a measly detail for us. Well, most of the time.
"Little Man" came to us October 26th of last year. That would be 4 weeks before Thanksgiving, 5 weeks before Abby's birthday and 8 weeks before Christmas. Needless to say, expenses were flowing. The check doesn't come right when you get a child. Not only were we given 6 hours notice that there was a 2-day old ready for us to pick up from the hospital but he was coming to us with a onesie and a blanket from the hospital. It got kind of crazy scrambling for hand me downs, diapers and many other little things. Angel's always brings an amazing goody bag with lots of donated items. Clothes, formula, diapers, etc. It lasts for about 2 weeks. The county takes so long!! We didn't receive any compensation till the 2nd week of December. I can't tell you how exciting it was to find that check in the mailbox. Oh baby! We could breathe and our holidays could commence.
"Why do you put yourself through that?" I respond the only way I know how,"Who else is going to?" In February, Angel's had to turn away 3 babies that needed homes. For us, it's not an option not to. There are so many more ups than there are downs. It's just worth it, every step of the way.
Good Night!
:)Amy
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