Day Two

Well this was a bit of a roller coaster day.  To be expected I'm sure but still, emotions were up and down.  This young lady, with all she has been through was very lucky to have the foster mom and dad she did.  They left for Ohio today and of course there were tears.  Lisa took the kids for pizza and some fun which made or a good day for the kids.  Jeannie and Deanna seem to have taken to their new sister and she has been great with them.  This evening, I think it hit.  She was missing her home in Ohio.  She went into the bathroom and I could hear the tears.  I was torn as to whether I should just let her get it out or try to offer some comfort.  I softly knocked on the door and she politely said I could come in.  There she sat crying and wanting to go home to Ohio.  She really just needed to know we cared.  We sat on the couch and glued her jewelery box together, then she showed me how she could draw.  It was not long and she was feeling a little more comfortable.  As we talked she called me dad.  I didn't want her to feel like she had to do that for me so I told her she should feel free to call me anything she wanted.  She looked at me and smiled and with a slight little girl giggle she said "ok, daddy".  Its going to take some time to find the balance between providing needed comfort and setting appropriate consistent boundaries but we will get there.  We have her extended Ohio's family's support and can call on them for guidance.  That's a real blessing.  More than anything, we need God's wisdom as we feel our way through this.  I ended the night putting a blanket on her and saying good night.  I got a great hug.  Lisa will sleep on the couch so she won't wake up alone or scared in unfamiliar surroundings.  All in all, a good  day.  While it may take some time for her to bond with us, I can say for sure it won't take long for us to bond with her.  One day at a time.