Fostering the Unknown

"Mom! We're getting a thirteen-year-old girl!" Stephanie yelped through the phone.

"Oh, that's wonderful, Honey! When does she come?"

"Tomorrow."

"Wow, that's quick. Grandma will be so excited to know you will have some help around the house."

"Mom, that's not why we're doing this. We're not expecting any of that," Stephanie stated firmly.

"I know, I know," Mom laughed. "Lighten up, Steph."

It had been months of waiting. Stephanie and Dustin Reed became licensed foster parents in November and had been eagerly awaiting their first placement request. Through the holidays, it was nothing, nothing, nothinggg. Then at once, everything started happening so fast. One day's notice, and she would be here.

Stephanie found out Katie's favorite color was pink, so she went on an online shopping spree for her new bedroom. New pink bedding. New pink window curtains. New pink lamp. New pink wall decals. New pink Etsy banner that read, "Welcome Katie!" A dream come true finally realized. There was no time to waste.

The Reeds updated their places of work and put in their leave requests. They updated their friend circles with urgent needs. Extra clothes, shoes, favorite snacks and groceries, an extra nightstand...

That same evening, Stephanie and Dustin received a text from the placement coordinator. "K.S. was placed in another home, sorry for the confusion."

Just like that? Why not us? Why did you get our hopes up?

Expections: adjusted.

Over the next couple of weeks, Stephanie and Dustin still couldn't help but put all plans on hold in case they would get another request. They refused to commit to anything too far in advance. Except for one thing that was planned months ago by her beloved husband.

...

Five days later...

"Yes, we will take him!" Stephanie paced in her bedroom closet.

"Great. Are you able to do the transition on Sunday morning? The existing family already had respite care scheduled for that day, so we want to avoid multiple transitions."

"Sunday? Uhh, yes, yes, one hundred percent. Whatever is best for him," Stephanie reassured but felt a pang in her gut.

She heard a sigh of relief through the phone. "Thank you so much. Seriously, thank you for being so flexible. He's been having a tough time, so the sooner we get him placed, the better," said the placement coordinator.

"Anytime."

Stephanie rushed downstairs to Dustin's office.

"Honey! He's coming on Sunday."

She met Dustin's wide, excited eyes followed by a stark realization and a long pause. "That's your 40th Birthday party," Dustin reminded calmly.

"I know... but this is more important. We will cancel it. People will understand."

"Hold on a sec. Are you sure? Can't he wait one more day?"

Stephanie could feel the reluctant tension. "No, not one more day. We have to think about what's best for him. It'll be too much transition for him if we wait. We'll celebrate my birthday when things calm down and we get settled."

They stared at each other for a long moment. "I want this," Stephanie said in a soft, stern voice, holding eye contact intently (and a little desperately).

Dustin let out a long sigh and took Stephanie's hand in his. "Ok," he conceded. "I guess it makes sense."

"Thank you," Stephanie smiled apologetically.

After 3 years of wrestling, Stephanie finally felt like she and Dustin were moving forward. Failed fertility treatments. 2 miscarriages. 1 private adoption that fell through. Grasping to be a mom in any way possible. By becoming a foster parent, she knew she was signing up for heartbreak. She'd been through plenty already, and she wasn't afraid of it anymore. Even if she cared for children who weren't hers to keep - it would be worth it to be able to love them. To extend a part of herself she always felt she was meant to share. It would be worth the hard work. It would be worth the pain. It would be worth the emotional rollercoaster.

It would all be worth it...

...

Doorbell rings. Heart pounds. Door opens.

Stephanie gets down on her knees, grinning with tears in her eyes.

"Hi, Cameron!"