Following is a poem that Sammy wrote for me.

The Sound of Love

Some people say it differently Some people yell Some people scream Some people let out a whole bunch of steam Just to say I love you But my mom knows how She says it just right She always brings light to a dark room. Now I’m not scared of the boom that comes out when I get angry. My mom loves me & I love her.

By Sam I love (drawn with a heart) you mom.

I don’t know what prompted Sammy to... more

There are days when you get a glimpse into the bright side of our kids and you know that what you are doing makes a difference. I had one of those days with Sammy recently. Following is a letter he sent home.

Dear Mom, Dad, Hannah

I really miss you. I am trying really hard to improve on changing my attitude. It has been going very well. I just wanted to write to you because I am feeling depressed with all the stuff happening to me and me being in (placement name) and all. I can’t believe you have stayed with me through all this ruckus.... more

Once you get into the world of foster care and adoption, it becomes difficult to have friends who are not living the same type of life. The type of things that we deal with are so foreign to “normal” parents that you can tend to shy away from friends you used to find great comfort in.

The other night I had dinner with some of my best friends from high school. We have known each other for more than twenty years and have seen each other through the hardest moments of our lives. These friends have seen me through my abuse investigation, my struggles with Sammy,... more

You won’t be hearing from me as much in the next few weeks. Life is absolutely insane here and the thought of trying to write forty-three blogs a month is overwhelming, so I am toning it down a bit.

I will continue to keep you updated on our home study and adoption of Hannah. Right now we are in the hurry up and wait stage. It takes time for all the background checks and other various legal paperwork to come in, so we sit and wait for everything to happen. For us it’s not a big deal since we already have Hannah in our home, but for most waiting parents this... more

A recent study out of Michigan is painting a pretty grim picture, and really it’s not that surprising. For children who leave foster care without having been adopted, life is more than difficult. The statistics show that the children, now young adults:

• Are twice are likely to be unable to pay their rent.

• Are three times more likely to be unemployed or not in school.

• Fewer than half had bank accounts.

• Jail time was served by... more

I’ve watched a few episodes of The Biggest Loser, but I haven’t been a loyal or dedicated watcher. I struggle with weight loss issues myself so some of the things have gotten my interest, but this one really has.

One of the contestants from Season 2 is a former foster child, and that life is partly what lead to his weight gain.

Pete Thomas started the show at 401 pounds, but that was not his heaviest weight. He “maxed out” at 416. He lost 185 pounds on the show. That is a miraculous loss, especially if you have ever tried losing a few pounds.

Pete’s... more

The children in the Texas polygamy case have been moved to a sports arena. This is one way to keep the children together, which at this point is important for their feeling of safety and security.

Up until today, the mothers of the children had been allowed to stay with them. As of today, mothers may only stay with children five or under. There are both pros and cons to this situation.

On the pro side, these children are scared. They are in a culture completely different from anything they have ever encountered before. Allowing the children to... more

While I feel horribly for Mr. Walker and the difficulties he has surely had, I am glad that he has disclosed his illness and what this can potentially do for our kids.

Hershel Walker was a professional football player for the Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants. When we lived in Dallas, my husband worked at a grocery store near the Dallas Cowboys offices, Valley Ranch. Mr. Walker would come into the grocery store while my husband was working. When I told him this news tonight he was surprised.

Mr. Walker suffers from Dissociative Identity... more

Sammy called for his twice weekly phone call. He had a pretty deep question that is a tough one even for adults.

The center that Sammy is in is Christian based, which ranks high on the plus side for me. His call had much to do with a deeply theological question, but at the same time it’s a tough question for kids who have been through what our kids have.

Sammy asked me why I don’t forgive my mother. Well, that’s a loaded question. I told him that forgiving and trusting are two entirely different things. I said that I somewhat understand why she did... more

I’m sure by now you’ve heard about the raid on the “compound” of a polygamist in El Dorado, Texas.

What hasn’t been as publicized is the fact that 416 children were removed and had to be placed in foster care. The Texas foster care system was already over taxed. Children were sleeping in the social services offices. Now we have just added another 400 plus children in one day. I can’t imagine how... more