Other People's Kids

Terror, Then Intrigue

Last night Vicki stopped by and gave us what sounds like our final training session. She said the social histories we wrote up for her were fun and informative, she seems to be getting more comfortable with us as prospective foster parents, and we traded war stories, though mine--at least those regarding foster care--are all a lot older than hers, and some may be older than HER.

Anyway, she took the opportunity to bounce an idea off us. I don't think she even realized that it didn't bounce, but clobbered. Out of the blue, as if on a whim, she asks, "would you be interested in adopting, if the right child came along?" She knows damned well we would. "Sure, that's a definite possibility." "How about four?"

A pause while I retrieved my jaw and put my eyeballs back into my head.

"Weeeellll..." This is not a snap decision, clearly. But being the people we happen to be, we can't let such a fascinating concept go without some examination. We asked for more info, and were told that there is a sibling group of four who need a new family. No information on gender, age, or anything else, as Vicki apparently had just heard about them.

Needless to say, we're dumb enough that we asked her to call us with more info. If there is no gender split or if it's split evenly, they'd fill up the two bedrooms we have available. If it's 3-and-1, I don't know how we'd house them.

I think we've decided to punt on whether to consider it further until we get more information...but if I know us, this is a minefield and we're walking through it blindfolded. If those damned kids are too cute, or if their story is really horrid or really sad, we may be doomed right out the gate. We're suckers for this kind of stuff. It's not fair.

posted by Dan @ 10:16 AM