So today was our last WRAP meeting. WRAP is the particular fostercare program we are in. The meeting was with her 2 social workers and 1 worker. December 1st Rachel became an official adoption placement in my home and on December 18th at 10am she will officially be adopted! It seems both so long in coming and so fast. Only a year ago at this time Rachel was just begining to test my love for her with all her might. I cannot tell you how different things are. It has been such a great week! Rachel was sick Tuesday so I stayed home with her. She just ate up all the one one one attention. I so easily forget how much she needs that connection with me! I think she needs in more than most kids but even in my sister I can see that no matter what her words say she does so much better when my parents or I just sit and listen to her, making the point to look her in the eyes for a long time. Teens need that I think. They need to be seen. It is interesting that I sometimes get so busy multi-tasking that I forget to just be with others. I am learning this about myself as I try to juggle working full time, managing my house and being a person in relationship with others (mom, friend, daughter, sister).
I can see a peace settling over Rachel this week. I think she is really starting to trust that this adoption thing is real. After our meeting today I felt so relieved. As much as the social workers have been a help at times it always stresses both Rachel and I out to be in those meetings. She acts strange in the meetings, always trying to get attention and reaction from the workers. Even though I am sure this will happen at other times (possibly our big adoption party) I think there is some part of her anxiety and leaves when "the system" is out of our lives. I am so glad that we get to be a normal family! I can unlock my cleaning supplies and let her sleep in my bed if she has bad dreams. I don't have to tell anyone if we head out of town or if she has a big outburst. She will be my kid! I just keep praying that I can comprehend it all. I signed her new birth certificate the other day... she will actually have one with my name on it- crazy huh? It's such a big deal I can't really feel it as deeply as it seems I should. Wow!
Just so you all know: All of you far and wide are invited to our adoption party December 27th at 7p at our house. It is fancy party... dress clothes are required!
2 comments:
That is so amazing that it's finally here. I wish I lived close enough to come celebrate with you guys. Congrats Mama!
Brookie I wanted to talk to you about this very thing.. I have had very limited contact with you both (sad!), but I can tell you this for sure. Rachel seems like a completely different girl than the one I met last Christmas. Its like the fog in her eyes isn't there anymore. She is more focused and she just seems.. I don't know.. Clear. It is remarkable!
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