Becoming a foster parent for me was never that scary. I am very good at taking care of kids, I've always loved taking care of kids. Kids are my jam!
I went into foster parenting classes with an open mind and walked out with an open heart. It was a no brainer - hands down one of the best decisions I have ever made. But I soon realized once we got started just how NAIVE I was about everything.
Naive about how much I would feel for the biological parents in the beginning and now, 4 years in, I am truly their cheerleader. Naive about how broken the system really is - you have all these people trying to do what’s right for the kids, but the red tape and the system get in the way.
The kids coming into care bring so much emotional luggage and yet no physical luggage at all. It blew my mind! There was clearly a need for basic essentials that had to be filled and this is where my scariest leap happened.
Erin and I have talked about starting a non-profit for years. YEARS! When we finally decided to actually start Fostering Family Hope, I didn't sleep for an entire week.
Instead, I worried.
I worried about it not working out. I worried about putting myself out there in the world. I worried about having to write a blog (ha!) post. You guys, I worried about using the right grammar! Which is why Erin edits for me. But if I've learned anything from foster care, it's that the risk is totally worth it for these kiddos.
Being outside my comfort zone, having to learn new things, and talking to people (yes, really!): these are the scariest moments for me. You know that nervous feeling in your stomach that feels like something between being excited & nervous to then wanting to throw up? That's how I felt - but in a good way!
But it really has been worth it. Having my kids see me build something from nothing, something that is so needed has really meant so much to me. So here we are on this journey and I am realizing just how much I love doing this work. And who knew my brain still sorta works? (I stress the sorta!)
Thank you to all of you for joining us on this non-profit journey and for making a real difference for kids in CT foster care. Your support and encouragement reminds me that, whether becoming a foster parent or starting a non-profit, or whatever you may personally may be facing, sometimes the scariest things we face are often the things most worth the risk.