Who Keeps You Off the Edge?

Last night my neighbor called and invite me up "for whine." So I tossed the Cuddle Bear in bed, ran up the hill as fast as my little legs could carry me, and has a glass of whine. And some darned good reflective conversation. My neighbor has always looked out for me, ever since Buddy was born, and somehow she knew I needed to vent some steam. I guess the clue could have been my F*cebook tally of Princess time-outs Saturday. If you're interested, I got up to fifteen.

The end of a school year is always a reflection time for me anyway, and we got to talking about the first several months after placement. Her husband commented, "I remember what your church did for you," and my mind threw itself back there. So here is the support network; the amazing people who have surrounded me the past four years:

My church. It's very large and very multi-generational, and one of the most beautiful things I ever saw was how the older people of our congregation, people I had never had much contact with before, surrounded us, checked on us, and gave us diapers. Some of them even slipped me fives.

The woman who, after hearing of us from a mutual friend, offered to provide several hours of respite once a week. We fell in love with her, and even though it's just the Cuddle Bear home and I shower now, she still comes twice a month.

The aforementioned neighbors, who have made sure I was still alive.

The friend who had a brutally simple adoption from foster care. She gave me all the advice I asked for, then came over with baby bottles and a bassinet, laughing the entire time when I dumped it ALL and said yes to my girls.

Our families. They didn't ask for this. No one says, hey, we're thinking about adopting from foster care- how do you feel about that as a grandparent/aunt/uncle. Every one of them has been a good sport, even when they haven't understood. They've loved us. They've loved our children.

Friends who totally do not get it, but give me the benefit of the doubt and love me anyway.

My childrens' kindergarten teacher; excellent with all kids and a special heart for children with special needs.

Buddy's first-grade teacher, who does not get this at all, but cares about me and the children and is always good for a snarky laugh.

Princess's language therapist who has a sympathetic ear.

The girls' play therapist, who has gone above and beyond for me over these past four years in ways I would never have room to detail.



I don't know how far over the edge I would have gone if it were not for these people. Who are you keeping from jumping off the roof?