I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t like the show “This Is Us”. I am always touched and can relate somehow to each episode. I just watched Season 2, Episode 3 “Déjà vu” and man did this one hit home. One minute I was crying and the next laughing out loud. It brought me back to when we first got our foster care certification and placement. I was exactly like Randall, waiting for the phone to ring and then being disappointed if it wasn’t them…or nervous if it was.
We had probably 3-4 phone calls regarding bringing different kids into our home. The first few didn’t work out for one reason or another. When we got the call for our three kids I really didn’t think it was going to happen. First of all, I didn’t think TJ would say yes to 3 kids. But, when we gave our yes, we were lucky to have the weekend to get their room ready. With the blessing of my friend, sister and mother-in-law we were able to get it all done. Monday came and I was so nervous. Making sure the house was perfect. Time came and went and they didn’t show up. I received a phone call that it would be coming the following day. Foster parenting teaches you patience and to go with the flow!
Tuesday came and again I was nervous, making sure everything was perfect for them, with doubt they would even come. I got a call that they were on their way. Oh, the excitement and fear that showed up in tears. I couldn’t believe I would finally be a mother and so blessed that we could offer our home to these children so they wouldn’t have to be split apart.
I heard the van pull up and my heart started to race. I was looking out the window trying to get a glimpse of my kids. Having that exact same thought as Randall… “this is it!” and opening the door to welcome them. Our kids came into the house, started talking all at once and running around to look at everything. They were wild and out of control! I kept thinking to myself “what did we get ourselves into?!”
The social workers stayed for about 10 minutes. As I walked them to the door I think I even asked them that same question Randall asked “that’s it?”. And I know I had a look of fear saying “don’t leave me alone!” Which was a really weird feeling for me since I have always been around kids and am very comfortable around them. It must be the same feeling when a new mother leaves the hospital with their newborn. All of the sudden you are fully responsible for a life…times 3! A little overwhelming to say the least.
I am thankful that “This Is Us” brings up unpopular issues…which is probably why the show is so popular! I sometimes forget how far we have come and what it was like. You go through life, sometimes just trying to make it through the day. I try every day to stay in the moment…to enjoy every single moment I am given. For someday this present moment may become forgotten, but it will make up who I am in the future. And I hope one-day God will look at me and say “well done good and faithful servant.”