Friday, July 25, 2008

Foster Parents

I have been thinking a bit about people that are foster parents. I think it takes special people to be able to do this. I can't imagine taking in a child/children and giving them everything that a parent gives a child--shelter, security, food, love, and so much more--knowing that that child/children can and probably will be taken from you at any moment. Wouldn't it be hard to put your heart on the line like that? On a regular basis?

Matt's brother and his wife have been foster parents for a few years. They have taken in many children over the years. I know that there have been a few that they have wanted to keep in their family. Only to have them taken away. I think this would be so hard! You would have to get so attached. And then to not know what kind of situation YOUR kids will be placed in next. Like I said, I think it takes special people to be able to do this.

They brought Olivia into their home on November 1, 2006. She was 3 months old. She had just been released from a hospital stay that lasted more than a month. The reason she was in the hospital is because she had a severe skull fracture courtesy of her biological father. They loved her from the moment they saw her. The doctors have always been unsure of what kind of long term problems this injury would cause her. She continues to see many specialists, including neurology, neurosurgery, opthalmology, and audiology. All of them say she is a miracle baby with how well she is doing, given what happened to her.

Olivia is a very happy, active girl, full of energy. She loves music and dancing. She also loves to play with her babies and read books. She is very much a momma's girl.

We were thrilled last month when we heard the news: They were finally going to get to adopt Olivia!! She has been their daughter in every sense of the word for almost two years. Now nothing will change, except that she is legally theirs and cannot be taken away. They came to Utah early July and were able to have her sealed to them in the Bountiful Temple. I was lucky enough to take some pictures for them. They also have a foster baby right now, so we'll see what happens in the future. Congratulations Dan and Melissa! You can visit their blog here, if you're interested.

Jaime Sig

12 comments:

Jaysi said...

What a beautiful story! I totally agree that it takes amazing people to be foster parents. I used to work in early intervention, and I saw so many sad stories. It is refreshing to see a happy ending to this one. Olivia is a beautiful little girl. Thank you for sharing this story.

I saw you on Good and Crazy, but I think we frequent many of the same blogs!

Claremont First Ward said...

How exciting. I love that last picture of them as a family.

Dan and Melissa said...

Thanks Jaime...a great entry. Didn't think I would get emotional reading about my own little family...Thanks for taking the time to share. It is tough being a foster parent, but rewarding as well. :-)

Anonymous said...

What a sweet story and beautiful family!


Best wishes to them.

Are You Serious! said...

♡ Very nice! i love the pictures! :)

Jocasta said...

Olivia is such a lucky girl to be able to be part of such a loving family

Cecily R said...

I so admire them! She is beautiful and what a beautiful family to be a part of!

Debra said...

That is such a beautiful story!

I have always planned to do foster care when our 3 oldest kids were a little older. Then we had the twins. So I have changed my mind.

Carissa(GoodnCrazy) said...

Oh always gets me right here...

Did you see my Deana's Story post? She is my inspiration and I swear we WILL be foster parents...gotta get moved first.

I'll dig up the post if you want?

I would never dare blog about it though...maybe like this, AFTER the fact?

Stephanie said...

That is so beautiful and exciting. Congratulations. They are obviously very loving and special people. Lucky Olivia :)

Laurie said...

That is an amazing story. My best friend's sister and husband did this before they were able to conceive. They took in a little girl and loved her from the start. Her mom had problems with substance abuse and her dad was in jail. Dad gets out of jail and decides he wants her. The state hands her over to him. He was in on bad charges also. It breaks my heart. She had a birthmark that was raised on her face and they took her to all the appointments and gave her much needed self esteem and then the next thing they know she is gone.
Jeff and I have talked about doing this. I would love to help any child out, I just get concerned with what has happened to them. The last thing I would want is a sexually abused child thinking that they can do that to my kids. That is my biggest fear.
The photos are gorgeous and I am so happy that everything worked out well for them.

girlytwins said...

How wonderful for them. I have a friend who used to foster kids. She ended up adopting one of her kids. I have always thought of her as an angel. The last family picture is awesome.