In Songs and Pictures: A Story of Life
“I know this is said often, but I never thought I could love a child only to have to give that child up. This kind of thinking is what kept my husband and I from even considering foster care. We mentioned it briefly but never with much consideration.
But God . . .”
Each foster parent in the state of Alabama is required to keep a book for each child they care for while in their home—a book of photos and small but significant memories the child can take with them on their journey to a permanent home. They are called “Life Books.”
While the expectation is fairly simple, some parents decide to go above and beyond with this project. They use their gifts and show their passionate heart for each child while crafting their book. One foster mama recently saw her hard work come to fruition through a note she received from a child’s adoptive mom. And even more special, she saw how God worked through her own hands and heart years ago to bring joy to a child she cared for, today.
Below is the rest of her story in her own words.
We had two biological children already and we desired to continue to expand our family. Unfortunately, that didn’t seem to be God’s plan at the time. We began settling into the idea that we were not going to have any more children when we unexpectantly found out we were pregnant. We were overjoyed!
Immediately, we began thinking about our future with this new little one. Unfortunately, those dreams quickly faded when I had a miscarriage. We were devastated. We were already so in love with this child we had never met. I was overcome with grief, and I remember tossing and turning in bed over this. Then one night, God spoke directly to my heart.
I rejected the idea of becoming a foster parent because I didn’t think I could love a child so deeply and then say goodbye, but that is exactly what had just happened with our miscarriage. The Lord was so gracious and carried me through that difficult time. He gently reminded me that I wasn’t alone now, and I wouldn’t be alone when it would be time to let a foster child go either. I knew at that moment I was being called to foster care. I shared this with my husband, and being the amazing guy he is, he agreed that we should pursue it.
We have been blessed to have now had ten sweet kiddos in our home. I guess God did expand our family—it just wasn’t the way we thought He would!
BABY SOPHIE
Sophie* was our sixth child who came to our home, but she was only our second long-term placement . . . She was six days old when she came to live with us. As you can imagine, we fell in love with her instantly! Sophie lived with us for seven and a half months . . . I also had a five-year-old and a three-year-old at the time, so life was busy! She was such a pleasant baby though, and we all adored her. My five-year-old daughter loved being my helper with Sophie. Even my three-year-old son loved to hold her!
Bedtime was always my favorite time. I’ve always loved rocking and singing to my children, and Sophie wasn’t any different. I sang many songs, but I probably sang Jesus Loves Me the most.
SOPHIE’S LIFE BOOK
The Life Books I make for my foster children are just as much for me as they are for them. It is hard saying goodbye to these sweet children you have been raising and loving! Making the Life Book has become a sweet time for me as I get to think about all the wonderful times we have had with our children.
The book itself isn’t fancy. It’s just one of those photo books you can make and have bounded. I always begin the book with a picture of the first day our foster son or daughter came to us. I include pictures of milestones, all the measurements from doctor well visits, and pictures of our family because I want the children who come into our home to know that they had a family that loved him or her.
I like to include Scripture throughout the Life Book as well. At the end of each book, I write a personal note to the child expressing our love for him or her and, more importantly, the love of our Heavenly Father.
Sophie went to go live with a great aunt and uncle who are now her adoptive parents. They are a sweet family, and I’ve been so thankful that they have stayed in touch over the last few years. A couple of months ago, Sophie’s adoptive mom sent me a note. She told me that she and her husband had sat down with Sophie and told her that she was adopted. One of the first questions Sophie had was, who took care of her when she wasn’t with her mom and dad?
Her mom went on to tell me how she took out the Life Book I made for Sophie, showed her the pictures of her as a baby, and read it to her. This note from Sophie’s mom meant so much to me. So often as foster parents, we don’t get to know what happens or what impact we have on the lives of the kids that come through our home, but then every now and then we get one of these sweet gifts, and it makes it all worth it.
Sophie’s mom went on in her note to tell me about how much Sophie loves Jesus and loves to sing. She said, “It just warms my heart, and I know it started with a family that loves her and prayed for her, and a little song called Jesus Loves Me.”
*Name has been changed for privacy and protection.