Work in Progress

Who knew there wasn't an instant mix for families where you can just stir and everything will naturally blend? Well, it's been an insightful and wonderful journey we've been on the last few months as we have added two teenage girls to our family. But I would be lying if I said it was all bliss and moments of us holding hands around the dinner table. It's a transition. It's hard to expect two girls, who have really never known what it feels like to be part of a family, to immediately feel comfortable and allow us in. In the little time they have been with us, I know there is a lot of hurt, pain, sadness, and emptiness they regularly cope with. I know they struggle to feel normal on most days and I know they crave structure and stability. We are all trying to give that to them, but also balancing the individual space and time they need to go through this process.

The social worker came to visit and follow-up a couple of weeks ago....I was so incredibly touched to learn how happy they are so far to be with us. And I have tried to explain how blessed we feel as well to have them in our lives. There have been tears, there has been frustration, re-direction, long talks....but we accept and know this is part of our journey of becoming a family.

Donna is 19 and has goals of being on her own. We are trying to help her figure out finances, look for a possible studio apartment near us, and get her on track with her education. She is attending a local community college and hopes to earn her cosmetology license.

Nancy is only 16 and we have outlined her goals as well. Naturally, she would love to get her driver's license (and let's face it....I would LOVE for her to get it too!). So, we have signed her up for the necessary classes to complete this. She is doing so incredibly well in her junior year, but she also has quite a few credits to make up. Thankfully, I am right there to help her get back on track. She is extremely bright and every time I see her interact with my children, I can easily envision her being an amazing elementary school teacher. She is patient, gifted, and has a keen sense of what is right and wrong. I have encouraged her to try one of our classes called "Careers in Teaching" for her senior year where she can intern at one of our schools in the district. She seems interested.....let's hope.

I have yet to regret the decision we made to take them in. It has taught Tim and I several life lessons as well and it is a nice reminder of how important it is to express love, maturity, and consistency at all times. Even though we kind of "fell" into this situation, we wouldn't trade it for the world. And as hard as we knew it would be, the fulfillment that comes along with it is overwhelming. So, our little family of 6 is slowly beginning to feel like a family of 6.