As most of you know, I started blogging shortly after my youngest son passed away unexpectedly. I was looking for a way to stabilize my world, to solidify my foundation after it was left tattered and crumbled. For a while, I wrote to try and bring my son back to life, to remember the minutiae of his life. To cling to him in whatever way I could. Even if meant trying to grasp whisps of a rainbow.
It wasn’t long before I realized no matter how often I wrote about my son, he was never coming home to be tucked in at night. I would never plug him in to be fed again, nor would I ever have to worry about him letting a floater go in the tub, or pick at his never ending case of cradle cap or wonder whether his feet would look more clubbed when he woke up the next morning.
Because I realized there were no more next mornings. The tomorrows with my Shalebug were all spent. It was up to me to try and find a way to adjust and cope to this new reality, because no one could do it for me.
So I turned to writing once more, this time to try and remember the magic of the moment, the funny of life. I made a conscious effort to write about what made me smile or laugh in my day, no matter how trivial. It was a concerted effort to remember that life is what you make of it, no matter how many times you draw the short straw or go to bed wishing for a different ending.
It worked. I healed and continue to do so. My children survived intact and not the shattered, scarred souls I was worried my grief would turn them into. I lost one child due to circumstances beyond my control, I wasn’t going to lose the other two because I was unable to deal with the loss.
It hasn’t always been fun and games. Which has made it particularly difficult to blog some days. Sometimes, there is just no funny to make me smile and share with the internet. Sometimes, there is just an overwhelming sense of loss and loneliness that is too difficult to articulate into words.
Still, I press on and continue to try and find the funny. It’s not always easy when all I want to do is talk about how my parents are still shunning me and how I miss them so. It’s not easy during the times I resent my husband for leaving me alone to deal with our family while he is away at work. But then, life isn’t always easy. So I plug on, waiting for the light to shine through the clouds of gloom that have momentarily darkened my sky.
When the hubs and I started our adoption journey, I decided to share the process on my blog. It hasn’t been an easy affair by any stretch, but it has provided some entertaining blog fodder. Yet, like life itself, our journey hasn’t worked out like the hubs and I imagined it.
Besides taking a helluva lot longer than we expected, we never thought our application would be put on hold. Because of the fact I took antidepressants after Shalebug died. They wanted to clinically assess my mental status. Make sure I wasn’t really crazy. Worse, we never thought they would examine our children under such a bright microscope, looking for cracks in each of their veneers.
In the end, we wait while complete strangers decide if adopting a special needs child into our family is in the best interest of Fric and Frac. Or more technically, we wait until they make the decision they feel best covers their collective asses.
The wait is coming to an end. I finally heard from our lovely adoption office, requesting Boo and my presence in their office on the day of Oct. 17.
Finally and at long last, we will hear their verdict in regards to our application. I wish I could say I was confident, but the truth is, after dealing with these bureaucrats I now understand they do not put my family’s best interest first, nor that of the many children waiting to be adopted. They put their jobs and their political interests first.
Based on all that has happened before now, there is a very real possibility that our application will be denied. Which sucks and makes me want to cry and go all warrior-like on their asses.
I will be counting the moments until Judgement day, and hoping for the very best. But, I think I’ll keep sharpening my tomahawk until then, just in case.







Karly
Keeping my fingers crossed for you that you get approved!
Ree
Oh sweetie. How can they make you wait that long? I’ve read through your Shalebug stories, and your adoption journey stories, and I’ve laughed and cried with you.
I’m not a religious person, but you are in what passes for prayers in my world. Positive thoughts for you, Boo, Fric and Frac. And in loving memory of your Shalebug.
Lisa
De-lurking to wish you all the best. If they have any sense at all, you’ve passed with flying colors. Hang in there, baby.
Above Average Joe
Don’t you fret. Even these asshats that are in charge of decision making will see you for what you are. A family with a big heart willing to share.
And if they don’t, give them 40 wacks.
mamatulip
I can’t believe you have to wait until the 17th. That’s criminal.
MammaLoves
And it’s just that many more days that a child who deserves a loving home goes without. UGH!!
I’m sending my positive thoughts your way. I wish I could do more.
deb
What about fostering? I know it’s not the same but it would still do a world of good. Take care of yourself.
deb
I realized after I hit post that I didn’t say that I hope you get a positive response from the adoption people. Good luck.
Oh, The Joys
I will be shocked if they say no… and sad. Because you are one good mama and any child would be lucky to have you.
xo,
J
Assertagirl
I can’t believe they’ll have you sit and wait and count the days…that just doesn’t seem right. It’s perfectly evident that you are a fabulous mother and if they can’t see that then fuck ‘em.
I’ll be crossing my fingers for you all…
LawyerMama
That makes me so frustrated and angry. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for you.
Josie
Keeping fingers, toes and everything else crossed for you.
Sue
I’ve got everything crossed for you that I can.
kgirl
Your writing is so honest and poignant and sweet and raw that it makes me feel like my heart is going to fall out of my chest. I hope you all get what you so unbelievably, undeniably deserve on October 17.
Nancy
Fingers crossed, prayers murmured, and hoping for all the best for you and your family.
And completely ready to pull out my own axe if need be on the 17th (but I’m hoping it will be more of an occasion for colorful banners and balloons…)
NotAMeanGirl
I’m keeping everything crossed for y’all! Sending up Prayers for Success.
Ms. Crafty Wanna-Be
T…they’d be jack-asses if they denied your application.
Who wouldn’t be on antidepressants if their son died?!?!?!?!
Wishing and praying for the best….
Julie
Tina
Well, I´m sending good thoughts your way on the 17th and I hope you get your baby. (A big fan of your writing and been lurking around here for ages).
kris
If anyone deserves this – it’s your family. I’ll be sending you all the good vibrations I can!
J.
Awww … good luck chicklet. I still can’t believe it’s taken this long.
And all of those kids waiting. Blows my mind.
Crossing fingers and toes for you. And marking that date on my fridge calendar.
Ut-oh. Wait. Is this me being nice to you?