They Just Want to Be Home

home insemination Kit

On a chilly Friday night, two little boys arrived at our home, taken from their own for the very first time. The 5-year-old, Max, cried as the caseworker guided him through our front door. For the next hour and a half, his heart-wrenching wails filled the air. “I don’t want to be here! I want to be with my mom!” he shouted, a plea that echoed through the room.

His 7-year-old brother, Jake, stood quietly beside him, tears streaming down his face. The caseworker tried to reach their mom on speakerphone, hoping to soothe them, but it didn’t work. Tissues piled up on the floor as both boys struggled with their emotions. We realized there was no quick fix—no amount of reassurance could replace the comfort of their mother’s arms. Eventually, the caseworker left, knowing that little Max needed time to adjust.

We offered a movie and some ice cream, a small comfort in a confusing situation. Their half-eaten bowls were proof that it was a weak attempt at distraction. But slowly, the noise began to fade, and we all settled in the living room, the glow of the TV providing a sense of normalcy they desperately needed.

In the middle of the night, both boys woke up and gently tapped my husband on the shoulder, their eyes wide with confusion in this unfamiliar place. The following day was filled with joy—trampoline jumps, basketball games, and park adventures. But as the day wore on, the reality hit little Max like a wave. He remembered that he wouldn’t be going home that night or anytime soon. Panic surged through him again. “I don’t want to be here! I want to be with my mom!”

It was heartbreaking. This little boy missed his mom and just wanted to know when he would see her again. Unfortunately, foster care comes with more questions than answers. Our attempts to comfort with ice cream and empathetic nods felt insufficient. For them and for us.

If you’re interested in learning more about parenting challenges, you might want to check out this insightful post on our other blog. And for those looking for more information on fertility, Make a Mom has some great resources. Also, NHS provides excellent information about IVF and other related topics.

In summary, the journey of fostering can be filled with emotional highs and lows. Little ones like Max and Jake just want to feel secure and loved, while caregivers strive to provide comfort in uncertain times.