I was looking forward to my break, even with 3 little ones. I had days at the pool and park all imagined in my head. We got a couple weeks of that and then our littlest got sick.
So sick she ended up in the hospital for 12 days. Well, she wasn't really even sick that whole time but she could only get her antibiotic by IV so we were trapped. It was a hard time, but we got through it. I stayed 8 of the nights, my husband 3, and our UMCH case worker 1. One of our DFCS case workers asked if we HAD to stay at the hospital. It wasn't even a question in our head. Maybe we didn't have to but we were. Can you imagine leaving a 2 month old alone in the hospital?
One day I walked up to the baby's crib as a nurse was getting vital signs. The baby turned towards my voice and the nurse commented like she was speaking for the baby, "There's the lady who had me". I explained that I didn't have her, I was her foster mom. She said, "Well, she doesn't know that." No, she doesn't know. Even though it was a trying time for our family, it was a sweet time of bonding with the baby. Our life at home is hectic with 2 other littles, and this one was so young and easy and slept so much, we hadn't spent that much one on one time together.
We made it through and got discharged two days before our beach trip. We left the 2 babies with foster friends and took our daughter, her friend, and our 3 year to the beach. It was a wonderful vacation. Relaxing and restful. Just what we needed.
We came home and 5 days later we were back in the hospital for the same reason. Another 8 days then home with a picc line for another 6 days. When we were on the way back to the hospital I wanted to cry. I was so frustrated and worried. Then I was just at peace. I was learning about being faithful. Faithful to our commitment to this baby. This baby who doesn't know I didn't have her. Faithful to this baby who fully depends on us to meet all our needs. The song, "Great is Thy Faithfulness", was in my head all night. A great reminder of my Father who is faithful to meet all my needs.
I've needed repeated reminders. I'm quick to forget. I'm quick to worry. Another false alarm trip to the ER about sent me over the edge. Thankful for friends who have stepped in to help and let me vent. This journey is not easy. I'll be honest, I have moments that I think it's too much. I think about how easy my life could be if we weren't fostering. Then I think back to that hospital room. One day I was holding our baby and next door a 22 month old woke up from a nap and started to cry. She was alone. She was also in DFCS custody and had been there a few days. She didn't have a family yet. The nurses often kept her with them behind their station, but it's not the same. The comparison of one baby who was loved and one who was alone had me in tears. If we weren't fostering I wonder who would have my baby. I wonder if she would be loved. I wonder if they would have stayed.
I have no idea what the future holds for her or for how long we will be able to care for her. While we have her she will be loved and cared for. Her needs will be met. We will be faithful.
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!
