Our little boy

You arrived at age five. As sweet as can be.

Aba and I attended our first introductory meeting with you. It was very emotional. When we got ready to go home, you wanted to come back with us so badly; it was heartbreaking. You wanted so much to go with your new parents, a new house, and a new family.

On the second day, we came for another meeting with you, this time with your big brother.

We took you home with us on the third day for a short visit. You got to see your new room and meet our dog. At lunchtime, we served a dish that Grandma made, and you didn’t want any. But I grew up in a home where the children eat what is served. It’s a matter of principle.
On the other hand, I thought to myself, is now the time to educate? For a minute there, I felt powerless. And then I offered you a schnitzel. You found it tasty. I am proud of myself for making that decision until this very day.

On the fourth day, we came to take you home. I wanted to tell you that it was forever. But in foster care, there is no “forever.” So I couldn’t tell you something that isn’t for certain. That is also a principle by me. To tell the truth. Not to lie. And that means to tell the whole truth. For years I thought about how to tell the truth. You didn’t ask/ But I had to solve it on my side because when I told you things, I wanted them to be exact and trustworthy. So I spoke about this in every training and counseling setting.

When we told your older brother that we were bringing him a foster brother, he did not like the idea. We understood that he was afraid of the unknown. He had never seen it by anyone. He only knew siblings “with the same genes.” When we told him that we are all going to visit you together at the children’s home, right before bringing you home, he was so happy, and the two of you played so nicely together.

On the day you arrived, he had already whatsapped all of his friends that we had brought him a brother. His friends all congratulated him, and he was so proud of you. The connection between the two of you is simply amazing. You two love each other so much, you love bothering one another, you love to play together, and you love to give each other presents.

My second child, I love you so much. I am thankful for every day that you are with us and for all of the “gifts” that you have contributed to our family.

Ima