‘Shane and Ginger have Kayeleagh until tomorrow at 1:00. They have to give her back to her mom then. Shane knew this might happen when they set up to foster her, but it doesn’t make it hurt any less. I talked to Shane yesterday and it is tearing him up. She has been calling him daddy. He said sometimes she says my daddy.’

You have just read a note I got today from my big sister, Evon. Shane is her son, Ginger her daughter-in-law. Shane and Ginger have two children of their own Julia, and Mason, who they adopted from Russia five years ago. Around the end of August, 2008, Shane and Ginger opened their home to Kayeleagh, (pronounced Kay Lee) and became her foster parents. She was less than one year old.

As you can imagine, the family fell in love with little Kayeleagh immediately. They prayed that they would be able to adopt the little blond headed beauty, and have her to raise, love, teach and cherish. They wanted to raise her to walk with God. However, they knew there was a very good chance that Kayeleagh would be given back to her mother when the authorities thought the time was right. And that brings me back to the note you just read.

My heart is heavy. I haven’t met Kayeleagh, but I love her. I love her because she has been a part of my nephew and nieces life. I love her because she has touched them with love, and joy. I love her because she belongs to God, and He chose to share her with Shane, Ginger, Julia, and Mason, even if for a little while. Now that she will be going back to her mom I have to express my plea to God.

 “God we know that you are in control. We know you love Shane and Ginger, and I feel confident that you are pleased that they have offered this service to her and her mother. Now Father, bless Kayeleagh and guard her. Take her in your hand all the days of her life, and put her where she needs to be in order to walk with you always. Father bless her mother, and take away the problems that have caused the courts to place her in Shane, and Ginger’s care. If it is your will give Kayleagh and her mom a good life. But, kind Father, if that home is not possible with her mom, intervene in the way that only You can, and bring her back to Shane and Ginger. In Jesus name, I pray this prayer. Amen”

I am so thankful for folks like Shane and Ginger. I am thankful for their unselfish service. I am thankful for their endless love. But, I don’t want to stop there. I am thankful for all the folks I don’t know who have done the same thing. I am thankful for Foster Parents; they are truly God’s servants.

Tomorrow, around 1pm, tears will be shed. I feel so badly for Shane and Ginger as they struggle with losing a part of their heart. But, I am so thankful that they didn’t miss the “Dance.”

Till next time,

Grump