Little Guests

 

For three days in October, our family became a household of eight.  "Hulk" and "Ironman" stayed with us as an emergency foster placement until child welfare workers could find a long-term place for them.  Those three days were a flurry of noise, toys, laundry and laughs.

 

While the calls come frequently for respite or emergency placements, Hulk and Ironman are just the second we have taken.  The first was just a quick, overnight stay.  This was different.  These boys left an impression forever on our hearts. 

 

I knew when I said, "yes" to these kids that things would be chaotic for a while, and multitasking would be an understatement.  (Have you ever loaded up a 16, 3, 4, two 6 and a 7 year-old for school in the morning?)  What I did not expect was the amazing kindness I got to see in my own children through this experience.  My kids, Parker and Ryder especially, shared everything with these two little super heroes who had nothing.  They did so without hesitation.  I watched my kids step up and become "big" siblings, making sure younger ones brushed their teeth and grabbed their backpacks.  While I have seen Will demonstrate these characteristics time and time again, I got the see Parker and even Ryder take responsibility like never before.  Luke also quickly bonded with the super heroes in a way I am certain he never expected.  The most beautiful part was that these visitor boys were not blood relatives, or family friends - they were strangers.  And my family, I am proud to say, welcomed them with love when they needed it most. 

 

It was not all fun and games.  These boys had been through trauma.  Hulk and Ironman shattered a bit of my children's innocent view of the world.  Parker and Ryder now know first hand that not all families are loving and kind.  Not every kid has a safe place to sleep at night.  When the super heroes said things that were uncomfortable, my boys again handled the situation with a maturity and grace that was inspiring.

 

The last night before Hulk and Ironman left was Halloween.  Ok, it was October 30, but small towns don't trick-or-treat on Friday nights due to football.  All of the children and adults alike had a blast.  When we came home and got ready for bed that night, 4-year-old Hulk curled up on my lap.  I sat and snuggled him until he was almost asleep.  I was struck by what an amazing privilege it was to have this sweet boy in my arms.  He was not mine, yet I am able to love him when he needs it most.  What a privilege and blessing from God.  I feel this is the "secret" that foster parents know and other civilians don't realize. Loving someone else's child is a privilege.



I am happy to say Hulk and Ironnan are in a very safe, good home now and thriving.  I am in touch with their foster mom and she kindly gives me little up dates on the boys.  No one knows what their future holds just yet, but I rest peacefully knowing they are safe and loved today.

My children still mention the super heroes.  Their names often come up when they say prayers at night.  I am thankful for the time we got to spend with Hulk and Ironman and for everything they taught us.