Compliments

Yesterday was supposed to be a slow day. I try to leave Mondays pretty laid back so the kids can ease into the week. Instead, it was one thing after another, and I was not home for longer than 30 minutes until after my cycling class. And then, it was just one thing after another until I could crawl into bed an exhausted mama.

As a general rule… I do not like receiving compliments. Whenever I get one, the old inner monologue I once believed starts to rear its head.

Yesterday seemed to be the day for compliments. I had a few and not once did the thoughts that used to come to mind start to play in my head. And, I was able to respond without a sarcastic comment.

The best one (and the most humbling) came from both of my kiddos’ caseworkers. When one asked the other if they had anything for us. “No. They are great.” At that point, the first caseworker says: “I agree.” Directly to us: the first caseworker says: “Thank you for all you do.”

Here’s where we stand with our kiddos:
FS#1: has been in our home since July. His birth family is working on the case plan and reunification is likely within the next few months.
FS#2: has been in our home for a little less than 2 weeks. Birthparents are dealing with things at a very slow pace and as yet not much progress has been made. Reunification may take a bit.

What they have in common:
Both were moved around a bit before coming to our home.
Both are medicated for some things.
Both have experienced more loss and trauma than any 6 or 7 year old should have to live through.
Both have independently and unprompted say that they like it here and want to stay until the judge says otherwise.
Both called me mom yesterday. (Another huge compliment/honor)