Much like many other monumental moments in my life, I had several dreams about how the actual moment would play out. In one scenario I was in a meeting and had to run out. In another the call came in the middle of the night and they were only a few exits down the interstate, were we ready? There were some that were so vivid that I woke with a pounding heart and had to check my phone log to be sure it was just a dream. But as is often the case, that's not really how it happened at all. I was on a call with one of my coworkers in Kansas City going over an article when I happened to glance down at my phone which had lit up with a text from my husband. Call me asap. They have two kids to place and want to speak to both of us. This is it, Maverick. Put on your helmet. I quickly explained to my cohort on the phone there was an emergency and I'd have to call him back. When I got on the phone with William, we joined a conference called with our agency's director and in a matter of minutes were given what few details they had, asked a couple of questions, and then it came, "Will you take them?" I presumed I would always just have a resounding, "Yes! Of course!" But these were two innocent children whom I had never met being thrust into the arms of people who had never been parents. To be honest, I wasn't sure. Once we agreed they then had to call CPS and let them know they had a family (other agencies were making the same phone call). So I went back to work. I finished editing articles, made phone calls, and worked to wrap as much stuff as I could while my team and I waited to see if I was going to become an instant (albeit temporary) "mom." While I was on the phone trying to apprise my mother and sister of the possible situation, it came. They'll be at your home in three hours. Three hours?! Holy smokes! As I continued to listen to what our caseworker was telling me, I messaged my coworker that I needed a ride back home (I use public transit) and tried to keep my wits. I gathered my things, waved bye to my team, and we bolted. What came next was a whirlwind. We washed sheets and made beds. William had to pick up another mattress because we had only prepared for one child. My lovely coworker Kathleen took it upon herself to buy some groceries so we would have kid-friendly foods and snacks once they arrived. We dropped our dogs off at "camp" so they wouldn't overwhelm the kids. Their caseworker called with a few more details and when I hung up, I burst into tears. I needed a moment to grieve. To process what was happening to them and for their family who was surely missing them. I took a moment to myself to mourn this process and that it is even necessary in the first place. Then, I saw the car pull up. This was it. Go time. Once they arrived, they explored quickly. Can we go upstairs? What is in this room? Can we play with this? Can we go outside? What's behind that door? I was taken aback at how social they were and how quickly they seemed to settle in. They played with coloring books while we filled out a mortgage-like stack of paperwork. And then—the caseworker left—and we were alone. But let me tell you what happened next, friends. Our village showed up. And when I say that, they showed up in ways I didn't know we needed until they arrived. Our friend Sarah volunteered to be our coordinator and took stock of what we needed. Again, we were prepared for one but had no idea what age. We needed another pillow, a bed rail, mattress cover...the list goes on—and needs were met! Another neighbor and friend showed up with a second bedspread, still another had groceries, and others brought dinner that night. Over the course of a few days our home looked like a drop-off center! There were clothes, shoes, toys, pull-ups, and even a car seat from our friends at Foster Village. Our savvy friend Aimee perused garage sales and showed up with a trove of treasures. My work team was incredibly supportive—more than anyone could expect—as I was all of the sudden MIA. "Thank you" didn't seem adequate. Even now it's hard to keep my emotions in check when I think about how grateful we are for our community that closed ranks and surrounded us when we needed it. We would not have survived those crucial first few days without them. While we were giving every ounce we had trying to pour into children who were a bit confused and adjusting to a new normal with us, our village was pouring into us making sure we had something to give.
The message you heard from the very beginning is this: we must love one another. 1 John 3:11 We don't know what the future holds for these two and how their case will unfold. All we know is that we were chosen to play a small role in their journey and we can only pray to serve our best in the time we are given. xoxo
2 Comments
Carla Miller
5/29/2019 09:40:49 pm
We are so blessed w/You Both and Your Sweet Two as you have begun your great journey together <3 Be more blessed in your moment by moment, k ;0
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Ryan Sprague
5/30/2019 06:05:43 pm
Sandi and I are so happy and amazed at how God always hears our call. To hear/read this had me in tears just knowing that your hearts are full and those precious little babies have a loving home like they have never known. I pray peace for their little hearts and that the pain will disappear at the love of God through you guys!! Let us know if you need parent help ;). Can’t promise it will be the best lol but it will be. Also the dogs have little people to play with them :)
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AuthorWriting is really my outlet, so you'll mostly see my prose on here. But William might occasionally make a guest appearance. Archives
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