Our neighbor is a foster mom. She takes the brand new babies, usually straight from the hospital at birth or maybe a couple months old (1-3). Over the past few months, she has been able to go on some business trips with her husband to far off exotic places for two weeks at a time. We offered (begged) to watch the baby she had at the time. How could we resist, he was a beautiful little brown baby boy named Larry. He was born 2 months early (just like our Isaiah) to a homeless mom (just like our Isaiah) who was addicted to drugs (thankfully not like our Isaiah). At 3 months old, he was still very, very tiny and very much like a newborn.
We were thrilled the next month when she went on another trip and we were able to have him in our home again. We treated him like part of the family. He was cuddled, kissed, hugged, told "I love you" and treasured as the child of God that he is. I bawled my head off when we had to give him back to our neighbor. He was recently returned to his mother (who is in a drug detox facility with him). We pray for his safety.
Last weekend we babysat for the day for our neighbor while she attended a class. Her new baby is a 3 month old little boy with a broken arm (in two places) and 3 broken ribs. My heart just broke as I held him in my arms and gazed into his beautiful eyes. Who could hurt a baby? He returned my gaze with the biggest, sweetest smile you have ever seen. He was unaware of his plight. Born into a home where someone hurt him, he was now a "state kid". His life will never be "normal". All of the babies she gets have a story, similar to these. They are not unique, that's why she has them.
We get asked quite often, especially after we adopt a new baby, "Now do you think you have enough kids???" There is so much pain in the world, so many babies/children need love. Who will love these children? Who will give them hugs and kisses after a bad day? Who will be their role models? We are so thankful for the children that have blessed our lives. We know sweet baby Larry will not remember the 4 weeks he stayed with our family but I know our children will never forget the opportunity they had to love and care for a complete stranger.
As we wait for our new baby (yes, #10), we pray for the birth mother and her beautiful baby to know that a family waits with open arms and hearts full of love.
We were thrilled the next month when she went on another trip and we were able to have him in our home again. We treated him like part of the family. He was cuddled, kissed, hugged, told "I love you" and treasured as the child of God that he is. I bawled my head off when we had to give him back to our neighbor. He was recently returned to his mother (who is in a drug detox facility with him). We pray for his safety.
Last weekend we babysat for the day for our neighbor while she attended a class. Her new baby is a 3 month old little boy with a broken arm (in two places) and 3 broken ribs. My heart just broke as I held him in my arms and gazed into his beautiful eyes. Who could hurt a baby? He returned my gaze with the biggest, sweetest smile you have ever seen. He was unaware of his plight. Born into a home where someone hurt him, he was now a "state kid". His life will never be "normal". All of the babies she gets have a story, similar to these. They are not unique, that's why she has them.
We get asked quite often, especially after we adopt a new baby, "Now do you think you have enough kids???" There is so much pain in the world, so many babies/children need love. Who will love these children? Who will give them hugs and kisses after a bad day? Who will be their role models? We are so thankful for the children that have blessed our lives. We know sweet baby Larry will not remember the 4 weeks he stayed with our family but I know our children will never forget the opportunity they had to love and care for a complete stranger.
As we wait for our new baby (yes, #10), we pray for the birth mother and her beautiful baby to know that a family waits with open arms and hearts full of love.
4 comments:
Thanks for sharing your perspective, experience, love and compassion in this post and in your life. I'm very touched (in a tender way).
I feel your love!
Tari,
I am so happy that you are now blogging. What a great way to keep up with the family. You are doing a great job. We are so happy to add a Niece or Nephew to the family.
With much love,
The Smith Family
Hi. I am Rebecca Layton's younger sister Jennifer. This was so moving. Thank you for sharing it and your love with those kids! You are one of a kind!
Ahhhh! That is amazing! Again...you are AMAZING! Your heart is so big! I love and admire you so much! Larry is darling! And OH MY WORD!!!! #10 is on the way???? That is such exciting news! I love it! When does he/she arrive? Can't wait to meet the blessed new baby Peiffer!
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