Jaded

8 diapers a day

Wipes

Lotion

Hair lotion

Hair treatment 

Hair ties

Special shampoo

Onesies

Socks 

Shoes

Clothes

Jammies

Toys 

Books

Snacks

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Laundry

24 hour care

Visitations twice a week

To and from 

Providing for

Caring 

Loving

Changing diapers

Rocking in the middle of the night

Bathing

Teaching

This is just the beginning of what a foster parent provides. All I ask for is that someone tell me what the hell is going on.

 Don't leave me out. 

 Don't act like I am a pain. 

I know you are busy- so am I. 

I am the one caring for a child who isn't even mine. 

I am the one who wakes when he cries after a visit with a virtual stranger he hasn't seen in more than half his life. 

I am the one who watches my children fall in love with him and him fall in love with them. 

I am the one who sees him thrive and grow and learn in my home. 

I have spent the last 13 weeks changing my entire life for this child- 

Yet I am treated like the enemy. 

I am treated like a pain in the butt who has done something wrong. 

I am not the problem- 

I am not the criminal- 

I am not the issue- 

This is not okay- 

I pray that something gives soon because no matter how sweet the baby is that is sleeping above me

 this experience is why they don't have any foster parents. 

This is what is wrong with the system 

I am a bleeding heart- a volunteer- a foster parent - and now I am jaded.