This morning I had an appointment for a check up on my knee. Two weeks ago I had a big fluid filled lump on my knee cap. This is not terribly unusual since I have inherited bad joints from my Great-Grandmother. Fortunately, I inherited many of her wonderful traits as well.

I don’t remember how this discussion started, but Hannah said to me:

“Mama, you have to ‘dopt me yet.”

Hannah has been with us for ten months, but we have not started our home study yet. We attempted to on a couple of occasions, but we were hitting road blocks with our county social services office. The worker we had at the time had her obvious opinions of me and stated them to the agency who called to request our file. The county was stating that Sammy should be home and “stable” for six consecutive months before we add another child to our home. If you’ve followed my blog you know that the chances of that are pretty slim.

I proceeded to ask Hannah why I needed to ‘dopt her, and she said:

“‘Cuz that’s what mamas and daddys are s’posed to do.”

It was just a matter of fact and simple statement, but it said so much. She is ready to be adopted and be an “official” member of our family. Such a stark comparison to Sammy and his feelings about our family.

When I asked her what would happen if we didn’t ‘dopt her, she couldn’t answer my question, and simply reiterated that I needed to adopt her.

The doctor’s office I was in is in our small town. The nurses all people that I have known my entire life. They know my kids are adopted so they’re used to unusual things coming out of their mouths. We even talked about eating and nutrition which lead to a talk about Kory. The only things he didn’t like to eat were McDonald’s sausage (can you blame him) and grape jelly. They remember my kids, but don’t treat them differently in obvious manners. They do allow me to be present in all exams and hold a child if it is necessary to calm them.

I am thrilled that this little girl wants to be an official member of our family. My husband and I are ready as well. If we continue to get blocked by social services, we will go to court and fight it, but I’d rather not. I am hopeful that with Sammy’s continued ugly behavior and the fact that they realize it will be a long time, if ever, before he returns home, that they free us up to do what is best for Hannah.

I’ve appeared in front of every judge in our county courthouse on charges for Sammy. I’d like to make an appearance for something good for a change.

Photo credit - Hannah and her determined face