Foster Parents Will Have Emergencies

by Fatherofeight | More from this Blogger

25 Feb 2007 06:08 PM

Yesterday, I was in the car at a crowded intersection and an emergency vehicle had to go through in a very big hurry. I was glad that they were not coming for me. It made me think about the times that I have been in an emergency situation. I was involved in an accident on my motorcycle when I was in law school. I also needed emergency help more times than I like to admit when we received four badly traumatized little boys into our home.

We had a close friend living nearby who had shown us over the years that she had a heart to serve. My wife worked for thirteen years as the Children's Pastor at a fairly large church. She had about 150 children in Sunday school on any given Sunday and 75-85 paid and volunteer children's workers and teachers doing various jobs.

She always needed a Sunday school director to help with extra needs, recruiting, supporting the classrooms, and dealing with parents. It was a salaried job because it was sometimes difficult and always demanding. Anne Marie had the job for some time. She was diligent, dependable, and never needed personal attention. She insisted on doing the work as a volunteer.

Anne Marie was excited about our boys and at our house soon after each one arrived. We are putting together life books for all the boys and she is in many of the first week photographs. She repeatedly told us that she was usually available "at a moment's notice". Little did we know that we would exercise that option often.

Within three months, we had four little boys with multiple problems. One had rages and fits frequently. Another was in a rage, screaming and breaking things, if he was awake and not being held by someone standing up. A third was suffering from anxiety attacks and very hyperactive. The fourth was several months old and damaged from his birth circumstances. Two of them, who had bad vibes with each other from infancy, were fighting and biting when near each other.

I always have to search for a word that sufficiently describes what the situation was like when at its worst. Words like chaos, pandemonium, disarray, bedlam, and turmoil sort of scratch the surface. Pandemonium may be the best.

All we had to do was dial her number and say something like, "I don't have time to explain, please come immediately." If she was at home, she was at our house quickly. She never said she was busy or tired. She always instantly assessed the situation and filled the need that was going begging. I am not sure that we could have survived the first six months without her.

If you know anyone who has taken the plunge and received "special needs" children out of your state's foster system, think about offering to help. If you offer, you will probably get a chance to serve. Anne Marie stored up a great deal of treasure in Heaven those six months. It was a Holy calling.

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Adoption Day

Becoming An Adoptive Parent: Adjustments I had To Make

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gina00 (680) 25 Feb 2007 11:25 PM

I couldn't agree with your more :) I can't think of a better practial application of James 1:27, "Pure & undefiled religion before God & the Father is this; to visit orphans & widows in their trouble & to keep oneself unspotted from the world." Being a foster parent &/or supporting the foster parents you know w/ help is truly reaching out w/ the hands of Christ. To all the Anne Marie's out there-THANK YOU! Your sacrifice is seen by the Father.

Fatherofeight (2475) 26 Feb 2007 07:38 AM

I try to tell her that every time that I see her. I appreciate your input Gina.

PATTI (580) 26 Feb 2007 12:18 PM

Dear Ed, Praise God for Anne Marie. Isn't God good? PATTi

Fatherofeight (2475) 26 Feb 2007 02:49 PM

He is, and our friend is good too, thanks, Patti.

rsbg (501) 02 Mar 2007 10:59 PM

it is a wonderful blessing from God to have a friend like that! what a touching story! in today's society it is hard to find people like that. your story reminds me to be a better friend to those in need. i needed to read this blog, it speaks volumes to me. thank you!

Fatherofeight (2475) 03 Mar 2007 10:57 AM

Anne Marie read it and appreciated me saying those things, but her response was, "Isn't that what any friend would do?" Can you see her heart in her response? I can.