Yesterday was a big, big day for us. In a nutshell, we received news that S's long term plan has been changed by the court! YEAH!!! We went to court and talked, briefly, with a Tribal Judge prior to the hearing. We aren't allowed to be present in the hearing - so we just updated him on how S is doing and he was able to see S for himself. Our case worker told us that she thought this little visit - albeit a little chaotic as S was running around the courtroom and not minding us - made a big impact on the Judge. So, at this point, the long term plan is to have him placed with a 3rd party custodian (us). We will be learning more of what that means in the next few months - guardianship or adoption? The later is our hope and wildest dream, but we are up for anything that is more long term than what we have been living through the last two+ years. Yeah!!! Best Christmas present EVER!
I was pretty calm on the phone with the case worker - however, when I hung up the phone it was a different story. I cried and cried. We have gotten so accustomed to thinking of just "today"...or just a few months out. Getting from holiday to holiday has been an emotional challenge. Our mindset has been "we have him this Christmas, but will we have him for Kevin's birthday next March? Mother's Day? S's 3rd birthday?" We can't even think that far - it is way to heart wrenching to think of one of those events without him. So we usually don't even go there. When I hung up the phone yesterday it hit me that we might, just might, not have to think that way anymore. It was like a huge weight was lifted off my chest. We understand that we still might not get him...but this is such a significant and hopeful step for us. We are just enjoying it and will see what is presented to us in the next little bit. Whew.
On the flip side - we know this must be a hard thing for his bio-mom. It was one of the first things I thought of...and that is hard for us. Please remember her as you are excited for us. I will keep you updated as we get more information. Thanks for your kind thoughts and prayers!
