It was a hot September day in 2010 and the counters in the Dairy Queen were sticky. The smell of waffle cones and sugary sweets wafted through the air as I nervously shifted in the red plastic covered booth. My husband, Chris, and I sat across from our twelve-year-old foster son as the three of... Continue Reading →
spinning, spinning round and round tippy toes pattering on the ground hands outstretched with fingers flared tresses flying through the air tippy toes pattering on the ground sunlight bouncing all around tresses flying through the air carefree smiles while mother is there sunlight bouncing all around teetering toddler falls to the ground carefree smiles while... Continue Reading →
Tears flow down They fall like the rain There's no end to my sorrow and pain Too many nights I'm crying for You There's just nothing left for me to do I'm reaching out I just need a touch from You Hope breaks through the cracks in the wall I've built around my bleeding heart Starting to see... Continue Reading →
Dear Teacher, My husband and I have spent 5 years building up our daughters self-worth-- telling her she's amazing, happy, a good leader, friend, person, and lots more. We've worked diligently at making sure her tiny ego is developed with armor comprised of unconditional love, realistic expectations, positive affirmations, and focused confidence in her and her abilities. We recognized early... Continue Reading →
One of the most monumental and unforeseen obstacles I have faced as an adoptive parent is how to prove my love to my adopted child. This issue seems to be made more complicated by the fact we adopted him through the foster care system as a preteen. Adopted children struggle with feeling connected, loved, a part... Continue Reading →
Wearing a mask brings certain comforts, but it also may hinder our personal growth. As long as we wear the mask we don’t have to deal with the underlying problem. But when we are truly able to confront the truth about ourselves we will find true freedom. We can find healing.
"…she's my mom and I love her." -my son, age 17 The day we met our little boy he'd already experienced more trauma, neglect and abuse than most grownups will in a lifetime. When he rounded the corner on our first meeting I fell in love instantly. His little twelve-year-old face was adorable and smiley. (You can read more... Continue Reading →
I’ve briefly shared about our journey with foster care and adoption in Two Prayers Answered, but our complete story has never been told. Someday. Maybe. Today I'll be sharing some information...some food for thought...and also challenging you – are you ready? Here's a short history lesson about National Adoption Month: In 1976 Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis announced... Continue Reading →
Drinking coffee in our family is a bonding experience. There are heaps of positive (mushy, gushy) emotions attached to the smells, sounds and taste of freshly brewed coffee. All of my fondest memories of childhood are filled with the delectable, robust, savory, satisfying (I could go on) aroma of brewing coffee. I remember a family reunion in Denver when I was... Continue Reading →
Notice. If we really want to encourage positive behavior, we have to start by noticing it. When you recognize positive behavior, it is more likely it will continue. What you focus on is what you get, so focus on what you want. So, it's time to put down the phone and look up. Pay attention.... Continue Reading →
SELENA BOYTS 