Some of you who have seen me in person since my last post have asked me what’s happening with the fostering situation. And the answer is, nothing.
Our deadline was Tuesday. On Monday afternoon I contacted the placement social worker to ask if she had set up an appointment for us to meet with the baby’s biological parents. By then we had been waiting a week for this appointment. She told me she called the social worker representing the parents that morning and since the office was closed due to a strike, the appointment couldn’t be made for the next day.
So I said, “So that’s it, right? We can take this possibility off the table.” And she said, “Well, that depends on you and your husband.” I asked her what she meant, and she said if we would be willing come in when an appointment could be made it might still be an option.
I was pretty annoyed at this response, as if the responsibility for the outcome depended on us when we were the only ones who had been timely during this period. We made ourselves completely available and from the very beginning were super clear with them that beyond Jan. 31 we couldn’t continue with the process. I told her that we did everything we could have done and it wasn’t up to us, it was up to them at the placement agency to be flexible about meeting us during non-work hours if it was going to happen. And since they already said they wouldn’t do that, then was nothing more we could do.
After that conversation it was actually a relief to know that it was over. It was a disappointment, but it was a relief. Every day I was waiting, waiting, wondering…and now I don’t have to wait and wonder anymore.
By the way, I heard back from the contact person about the other request for a foster family for a baby with T21 that I mentioned in my last post. The baby that needs a home is Baby M, who we spent so much time with a few months ago when she was left as a newborn at the rest home for new mothers. Believe me, I wasn’t expecting that at all when I responded to that email!
Contrary to what the plan had been, she was placed with a relative for a few months and now they’re looking for a long term placement (she’s 5.5 months). I was very upset to learn she hadn’t been placed with a long term family. Of course I don’t know the specifics and I trust that everyone involved in making the decision had her best interests at heart, but I’m concerned about such a small infant having to undergo so many significant transitions. I had to repeatedly remind myself that G-d is running the world and has the perfect plan for each person.
Just in case you’re wondering, I emailed the person back and asked her not to forward my email on to Baby M’s family. It’s clear to me that our part was to help her when and how we did, and that this baby is meant to be part of someone else’s family. Hopefully a wonderful family and very, very soon.
Avivah
