One Week In

One week ago we were a family of four. Today we are a family of six. Just like that.

My husband and I have two kids, D is 12 and A is 10. We are an on-the-go type of family - always doing something or going somewhere. A rolling stone or something similar. A nice little life to be certain.

My husband's sister lives nearby with her two sons, ages 6 and 7. Her husband is out of the country awaiting word on his Visa to come live here with his family. She works hard raising those boys alone and waiting for her husband's return. She also has a drinking problem. That problem was under control for a long time, but had become an issue again in the last six months. We had suspected she was drinking again, but hoped it wasn't true. We were wrong.

Last Friday, January 15, she was arrested for leaving the kids at home alone while she walked to the corner bar. J, the 7 year old, woke up and got scared when he couldn't find mom. Walked out the front door to look for and was found walking down the street crying. The police were called and the boys were taken to a children's home. We were able to take custody that night.

Through the course of this week we found out much more:
1. The boys' dad got his Visa approved and will be back here within two months.
2. The boys' dad cannot take custody of his kids until he has a job, a home and can prove to the County that he is a fit parent.
3. The mom had a DUI within the past six months, with M, the six year old, in the car.

This whole world of foster parenting is new to us. We had no idea of the restrictions placed on foster parents by the County.

We are fortunate that the transition has been smooth considering. The boys seem to be adjusting to it well - due in part, I'm sure, to the fact that they have spent quite a bit of time with us at our home.

It's a journey and I wanted to document it.