Our sister-in-law J and her husband D live near us and have two precious kids of their own. Not only have J and D attached to our foster kids, but they allow their kids to attach as well! That can be a tricky thing to deal with when the child is not old enough to express their feelings or understand why their foster cousin has visits with his family or is no longer living with Uncle Paul or Auntie Monique; but J&D are willing to go through this with their own children in order to love these foster kids.
J and I are both home during the work week and have been known to have play dates in the backyard or have shopping trips to the nearest shopping center. Even with two little ones of her own, she is always ready to shower attention, love, kisses, and hugs on our kids. She and D have been such huge supporters from prayers, to meals when new kids arrive, to graciously donating their kids' clothes and toys, to being a listening ear, as well as being willing to be fingerprinted to be able to be a regular/overnight babysitter. All our kids love Auntie J and Uncle D and we are thankful their whole family is nearby and we get to share this experience together.
What follows are some of J's thoughts and experiences about being a Foster Aunt. Thanks, J, for being willing to share your heart, your beautiful thoughts, and your experience only an Auntie knows.
A Foster Auntie's Perspective
So, I’ve now written and erased twice. I don’t even know how to convey my thoughts and feelings toward my foster nephew and niece. I love these two cuties very much and miss them so much!
When “Carson” joined our family, I remember watching him stumble around and kept thinking how cute he was…especially his cheeks! He quickly became a part of the family! My son and him became real cousins FAST! They played together, followed each other around, and even fought over toys. Then sweet little “Maggie” came. This little cutie-pie wasn’t with us as long as Carson was, but was loved just as much.
When Monique told me they were beginning the journey of foster parenting, we supported them and tried to help any which way we could. Seeing Paul and Monique’s passion for what God had called them to do was, and is still, inspiring! They’ve taught me that we are all called to love, not just the sweet kids that are in the Foster Care system, but also their parents. Yup! Their parents! Wait a second…it’s their parents’ “fault” that they’re even in the system! Right? Well…yes their parents made a mistake, but how amazing that they are offered a chance to change! How awesome that there are people like Paul and Monique who will love and care for those children, AND for the parents and pray for them. How awesome that in this, we see a picture of God’s love for all...for those that know Him already and for those who don’t. How incredible that God’s grace and mercy is the same for ALL.
I was quick to not like “Carson’s” parents, and didn’t want to give them a second chance. Monique kept telling me that once I met her, I’d probably change my mind. She was right. I had the chance to meet “Carson’s” birth mother, and what I saw was a young woman in need of Christ’s love, grace and mercy. She was receiving it…whether or not she understood it. We mess up all the time, maybe not in the same way as the parents of kids in the foster care system do, but we too, receive the same mercy and grace from God. Who am I to judge these parents? Instead, I have been challenged to love and pray for them, especially the parents of the sweet foster nephews and niece I’ve had.
It is hard to see these sweeties come and go, but the time we get to have with them is seriously priceless. Paul and Monique are doing something incredible and need continued prayer as they pour out love on these little “strangers” that pop into their lives.
Auntie J giving one of her foster nephews hugs and kisses!
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