I know I've been quiet. There are reasons. And people. And school. And caseworkers. The last time I wrote in November, we had embarked on our first permanent placement. Since then, we've opened our home to several teens for short term or emergency placements. We anticipate another long-term placement may be moving in soon.
I went back to school part-time. Yes, I still work 30 hours a week. I do homework in the car between doctor visits, therapy visits, school appointments, and sport pick-ups. I haven't really been in touch, but my life is flourishing. My family is flourishing. We are living love in motion.
When I had four kids under five, people would say, "I don't know how you do it!?" I wasn't really sure either, but it wasn't a choice, it was life. I get that response now, but I have a little bit more clarity about how it gets done. Here are four reasons.
1) My husband. He is all hands on deck. He deals with caseworker calls, arranges drop-offs, pick-ups, Costco stops, and still manages to fix everything in the house or the vehicles. He goes to swim meets, track meets, ballet. He reminds me to take time for myself and offers me tea every evening. He looks every foster child in the eye and says, "You're worth it. You're not defeated." He still makes time for motorcycle rides with our son and dinner dates with me.
2) Our kids. Numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4. Every single day, they live selflessly for the sake of somebody else. They've given up room entitlements, deal with parents' divided attentions, handle their homework, help with meals, and give me hugs when I need them. They cheer me on through College Algebra and laugh at my observations of this generation. I can't believe their generous spirits and thoughtful hearts. I am so proud of them for their individuality and commitment to loving others.
3) My job. I love my job. I say it every day because it's true. If you don't know already, I'm a virtual Executive Assistant. I work for clients in Boston and DC and get to do thoughtful, important work every single day from the comfort of my home, or between therapy, doctors, etc. You get it. I have a virtual community of people who have become my co-worker friends. They are cheering for me, too. One friend even brought her family to ATL for a visit and we got to have real coffee instead of virtual.
4) Our church. We attend an Anglican church in Atlanta, near the Braves ballpark. Our pastors shepherd and encourage us. They listen and direct. They are with us in marriage, parenting, fostering, and life. They are our community even though we only attend every other week.
I guess the answer to the question, "what is love?" is pretty simple. It's people. People caring, responding, sacrificing, and giving. It's following the example of Jesus Christ. It's people prioritizing others. Love in motion is action in simple, practical ways. Everybody deserves to be loved.
