While on my way home after a multitude of doctor’s appointments, errands, and checking things off my “list”, I was driving past my neighbor’s house and came across an idyllic scene: my neighbor’s daughters and their friends--young and carefree--eating ice cream on a bright summer day after an afternoon spent at the pool. The picture of summer and childhood and friendship and happiness. Memories of my childhood washed over me: windswept hair and sun-kissed skin, running in bare feet across the gravel, cooking up new adventures with my childhood friends, riding bikes and digging in dirt, catching lightning bugs, playing kick the can in the dark. A great desire to give that to my own children washed over me--to raise them simply, to give them experiences and memories that they will cherish, for them to know they are loved, and for the outdoors to be something that lives within them. Ice cream on the porch (or the patio, since we don’t actually have a porch), smiling eyes, and carefree hearts--to hold dear the little things.
This might be a strange way to introduce myself, but this is the core of who I am...it drives me. I am a foster parent of two littles (under three), and for them, a childhood like this might not be a reality. It is excruciating at times to know that the trajectory of their lives could be changed with one single decision. And all of it is out of my control. The only thing I can do is be the parent they need now and pray that this life I dream for them could one day be a possibility. We live our lives one day at a time right now as we wait for some pretty big decisions. I never take a single day for granted with my kids, and I cherish every bedtime snuggle, every hug and kiss, every first, every joy, and even every temper tantrum. I work to give them a new happy memory every day, especially now that I am off for the summer (I am a school counselor). I protect them from the chaos that surrounds them; our home is our sanctuary. I teach them about the things I am passionate about and share my love for all things outdoors: hiking, kayaking, biking, camping, gardening, exploring. I am hoping at the very least I can give them a good foundation so that they can later build on that no matter where they end up.
I don’t have a fancy story. I’m not an entrepreneur or a computer genius. When I am able to forget the anxiety that permeates our daily lives, I find that it’s the simple things that make my day pretty amazing. I’m excited to be a new member in this community, to learn from other members, and to maybe share some of what I have learned as well. I welcome your feedback and guidance as I begin this journey.
