We were new to the Safe Families program and it was new to our area. We were young and had no kids of our own but were interested in the idea of keeping kids out of foster care, if possible. We agreed to host two boys, age 5 & 12. They had two teen sisters already hosted elsewhere but two other siblings with nowhere to go! We agreed to take in their oldest sister and youngest brother too! We had no idea what we were doing but we had the empty space.
I had no idea how much work it would be getting 4 kids to 3 different schools and daycare…all before getting to work by 7am. I got a glimpse into the life of a single mom. I suddenly could understand mom’s struggles and how living out of her car could have been the easiest and most difficult decision for her. But instead mom agreed to trust them to go to a complete stranger while she figured out her own life. We had no toys but the kids just wanted to draw. They just wanted to be close. They had so much love for one another.
I caught myself admiring their way of life as mine suddenly seemed so weighed down and busy. My only focus became how to feed them all and what I could make that they would all eat. They stayed with us for a month but it was the time that passed after our placement that made it so worthwhile. To see all their progress, happiness and health regardless their struggles, I am so proud of the relationship I’ve built with their mom and love watching them continue to grow and thrive.
by Stacy Edwards, Host Mom
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