We recently had a court date for the kids that the court called a status update check. Basically, we were supposed to hear about the progress the parents were making in trying to get their kids to come home to live with them and how the judge felt about it. This was an important hearing because the judge was close to making a decision and the kids would soon be in our care for 1 year, which was the original plan when we got them in Dec 2009. And CPS continued to tell us that the kids would return home and that was their final recommendation. We were soooo worried about it!
We got to court late and practically missed the whole hearing (I'll talk about why later) because our case was called first. After it was over, the court liason asked us if we would adopt the kids if they became available and of course we said yes! She told us that the kids mother (age 21) had a mental assessment performed that reported that she was on a 5th grade educational level and did not have the "nuturing" capability to raise kids. Basically she "didn't know how." And the judge was upset that CPS had left their 3rd baby (now 3 months old) in their home. He wanted the caseworkers to meet about when they would remove that little girl and place it in foster care as well. The consesus from the lawyers was that at the final hearing on Dec 9, the judge would terminate parental rights. We also had a chance to talk to the kids parents, who were understandbly devastated with the outcome of the hearing. They were starting to realize that they might lose their kids for good. They asked us if we would adopt them if that happened, including their new baby girl. Again, we told them yes. We were shocked!! This is not how things were SUPPOSED to go. All of a sudden, adoption (of 3 kids!!) is withing reach! God is so awesome!
Many of you know about our dog Bailey who had a brain tumor removed last year. He has done so well since then. In late July, he began having siezures again and an MRI revealed another, separate unrelated tumor in another area of the brain. This one was not operable and it was very agressively growing. We were not able to leave him alone much after that and on the day of court we had to bring him to the vet to be observed since we were not going to be home. 1 week later on Labor Day, Bailey passed away at our home. We feel like he didn't suffer long and he was surrounded by everyone he loved. He had a great life and was so well-loved, but still we are devastated.
God has now taken one child from us, but is likely giving us 3 to adopt. I have to admit, I question God as to why and how all of the events of this year fit into His plan. The death of my Mom and Bailey and now getting to adopt the kids. Why couldn't she live to see all this? Why did Bailey have to have ANY of the tumors and die? And what is the timing of us getting the kids? And 3?? I know God has a plan, but somehow yet I don't see how it all fits together. And I know I'm not supposed to. And I don't like that!
I guess I'm still on my faith journey!
