Foster Care/Adoption Orientation - Part 1

Mike and I went to Foster Care/Adoption Orientation last night (7 Feb '06). This would be one of three sessions that we have to attend. Next ones would be on 21st and 28th. I've been working for Child Support but let me tell ya'... I don't know that much about Foster Care and Adoption process. One of the reasons why we are interested in becoming Foster Parents is because we are lonely!! Jack can't speak English and he also wants kids to play around with. When Mike goes to dialysis (every Tue, Thu and Sat evenings) I'm left alone with Jack at home and - to tell you the truth - I'm scared (yeah.. yeah I know - Penakut!!)

They had pictures of the kids who are available for adoption last night, and they are so cute... you would just fall in love with them, especially after you hear sad stories about 'em... they've been neglected and abused by their own biological parents, being shifted around from parents' friends, neighbors and family members because the parents aren't capable of providing and taking care of them, and once they're brought to Foster Care system some of them have been shifted around from one foster home to another.

Mike wants to foster and/or adopt teenage kids (13 and above), his one and only reason is because nobody wants to foster and/or adopt these kids. This is true though. One of my co-workers was telling me about the last Christmas she and her family were helping one of the shelters for kids, she noticed that there were no Christmas gifts available for older kids, there were only stuff for kids under 10yrs. Yes, teenagers tend to be more challenging but Mike is willing to take the risk and responsibility. As for me, I want school-aged kids under 10yrs as both Mike and I are working full time so the kids can be at school while we're at work. I get off at 3:30pm about the same time the school's over. Anyway, we are still discussing this issue because I'm not sure that I can handle that yet.

Guys, this is the link where you can check and find out more about foster care / adoption. There are also some pictures of the kids who are available for adoption. I'll keep you updated as we move forward on this orientation. There will be more trainings, i.e. State regulated trainings, CPR and 1st Aid training, we also have to go thru FBI/CIA background checks.
http://www.co.arapahoe.co.us/Departments/HS/index.asp

POEMS

Embracing Destiny

by Julie A. Bushong

To become the person

You are truly meant to be

You must be subjected

toLife's trials and tribulations

Stumbling along the way

Experiencing love and heartache

To appreciate all that you had...

And that of which you have yet to attain

Never allowing life's lessons

To shatter your dreams ...

Embracing Destiny

When fate throws you a curve,

And it's not within your master plan...

Heave it back

It is within each of us

To determine what is desirable for us individually

Life and love is meant to be cherished

Sharing with all those you adore

Whether you choose to forge your path alone

Or hand in hand with person of choice

Doing it with enthusiasm

Is truly paramount

Live your life to the fullest

As if it were your last day of mortality

For each day is truly a precious gift

Fear not the unknown

Embrace Destiny and make it your own

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Maureen's Xmas Card to Micheal (Dec. 25, 2005)

To my loving husband, Micheal A. Garcia

Nothing stays the same
Sunrise becomes sunset
Morning turns into night
An angry storm can turn into a gentle breeze
A tiny seed can become a towering tree
A Lowly caterpillar transforms into a colorful butterfly
A child grows into a man

Life goes on
Seasons change
Circumstances change
People change

But I know that I will always love you
no matter what happens
or whatever changes
that will take place in our lives

For the memories of yesterday
For the happiness of today
For the promise of tomorrow
For all this and more... I LOVE YOU

Merry Christmas, December 25, 2005

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Mike's Poem for Maureen on our 4th Anniversary (Dec. 8, 2005)



Honey,

On this day of great wonder and love to spend with you
Feelings of happiness is all around
Surrounding us like the sky's so blue

You inspire the greatness inside me
Giving me time to grow
Letting me live and shine like the sun
With everyday love I can show