Fostering UNITY Winter Wonderland

I cannot believe my foster daughter left almost a year ago. I was grieving for a long time and I feel I still am. Pandemic has changed so much of how we take care of our kiddos and how we interact with one another. We either miss those who we have not seen in a year or more, or we get easily frustrated with those we are with 24/7. I feel badly I have not taken in another foster child to help them heal, however I hope my efforts with Fostering UNITY can assist more than just 1 or 2 foster child. I truely believe in the mission Fostering UNITY is doing. We assist all the wonderful Resource parents that looks after all the foster children in and near Los Angeles County. Not only we have support groups for the resource parents, foster children, Transitional age youth, we also help out the birth families.

This year, due to the pandemic, the holiday even, Winter Wonderland will still be a drive-thru. Last year it was a blast and it brings me joy seeing all the wonderful faces that came through. They loved seeing Santa and all the wonderful decorations. The gifts and stocking stuffer they received were a part of the magical experience.

Before I became a Resource parent, I always imagined the holiday time would be a wonderful time for everyone regardless of the circumstance. I could not be more wrong. During this time of the year, it is a sad reminder for these foster children of the situation they are in at no fault of their own. They are not able to spend a lot of quality time with their own families and they often blame themselves. This is why making this event possible is so very imporant.

If you are able to give any time, $40 or $1000, anything is appreciated and will be put to good use. I’m happy to say I’ve already donated towards this event and cause and I’m sure it won’t stop there. Thank you for listening and I thank you for the bottom of my heart!

https://fosteringunity.org/winter-wonderland-event

New year, New Routine

I am happy I am finally taking care of myself. I’m not going to dwell on why I didn’t do it sooner or at what magnitude or rate I’m going. I will focus on the fact that I am doing it. I am focusing on me. I am trying my best.

Pain & Passion

I am beyond words right now with how I feel about the department. I do not understand who I have pissed off to end up here. I know a child removal is not a big deal, especially if they won’t be considerate of our concerns. However, it does not hurt any less.

I pray (even though I’m not religious, I pray to a higher power) that my kiddo will remain strong and grow up to be the wonderful and smart girl I see in her.

It’s November already?

I don’t know about you but October flew by and it felt like it almost didn’t happen. Typically it only happens like that when I’m having a good time. I definitely wouldn’t categorize the last month as “good times”.

Anyway, here’s the latest.

Fostering UNITY

This week has been crazy already and it’s only Tuesday. Between training for work, assisting my nephew with his virtual learning and make sure my foster kiddo does her stuff on time….I didn’t get to eat lunch until after 3:30p. When I signed up to work for Fostering UNITY, I didn’t know my kiddo would come back to me. Now I almost feel like I bit off more than I can chew. But if other people can do it, so can I!! I’m sure in 2 weeks after trainings are over, I will feel much better.

Regardless of how overwhelming everything seems right now, I am beyond ecstatic to work with this group of amazing people.

If you are or about to become a foster parent in Los Angeles County, please join this group and you will see what I am raving about!

Fostering UNITY fb page

Helping others

As I go through these awkward days of COVID19 and grieving for a foster child departing, I continuing to search for my purpose. I really enjoy helping people and I would love to be of use to others. Currently I found an exciting opportunity that I will share in detail once I have complete the entire on boarding process. What I can say is that, I continue to be amazed by all the wonderful resource families out there. And that I drive to help may have found a good place to be of use.

If you know of any resource families that may need help in LA County, please spread the word about CARE line!

CARE line.png

Goodbye

This was it, time to say goodbye. I did not know how hard it was going to be. My lungs feel like flattened balloons and that I had bricks on my chest.

How a little five year old changed our world in three short months, I would never have thought possible.

I will never forget you….

Her Last Week

Too many emotions, too much going on. My shoulders are constantly sore now and my back really needs an adjustment.

We wish she wasn’t leaving but sadly it’s not up to us. Hope she knows we truly love her and that she retained anything positive we taught her during her short stay with us. Hope we will really keep in touch and that she’s happy.

I wish I could share her photos and show the world how infectious her smile is.