My Ebenezer

Thank you again for all of your prayers for yesterday. I was really nervous about going but it all turned out just fine.

Family court is a sad place to spend the morning. I saw several cases go before the judge, many where bio parents didn’t even show up. Often, no one even knew where to locate the bio parents. The saddest thing I watched was a woman who stood before the judge and was told that after two years of not seeing her children, she still could not see them and a TPR (termination of parental rights) date was set.

She walked back to her seat sobbing as she explained to her friend what the judge had said. My heart broke for her and for her children. I am sure there is a very good reason why she can’t see her kids; based on a little of what I heard, I am confident that “the system” served those kids well yesterday. But it was still sad. Unbelievably sad.

There is a whole other part of our society that most of us don’t even know exists. Or we pretend it doesn’t. There is a post here and one day I’ll write it, but today I want to tell you about our case.

Toolman got to meet the court appointed attorney for the kids in the hallway. He introduced himself to her and she immediately asked how they were doing. Her second question to toolman was, “are you a legal risk home?” Daddy-O told her that we were but we realize that right now this is straight foster care. She said, “yes, but are you looking to adopt?” And he told her we would LOVE to adopt these kids, if they flip for adoption. She smiled and said good.

I don’t know if all attorneys ask that question immediately or not. But I’m believing that she doesn’t expect these kids to go back to their bio parents, just like all the caseworkers don’t expect it to happen. Woo Hoo!

The judge blessed the plan, talked about how important it was to start some of the steps immediately and set the next court date for late July. So we know we have them until then. There is a long list of things that must be done in order for them to even have a chance at getting their kids back. It’s going to be tough for them to do and I feel horrible hoping that they can’t or won’t do it; but I love these kids.

All in all, it still looks very good for adoption. The judge left the primary goal as adoption and that is a big deal.

We’re pleased. The bio parents are angry/upset that Speedy calls us mommy and daddy - I explained again that this is what we’ve been told to do. That kids his age need to call someone mommy and daddy on a regular basis. I think things are going to start getting ugly.

Please pray for Speedy. It is him I am most worried about. Pray that he is not upset by visits and that he continues to feel safe, secure and loved in our home. I’m afraid of what bio parents may start saying to him at these visits. I am trusting God to intervene in a HUGE way.

Speaking of Speedy, his cartoon time is running out and I think he’s finished his milk so I better go see what he’s up to.

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