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The End Of The Road: Lousiana's Thoughts And Musings (Feb. 19, 2008) by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Rated "G" by the Author.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008, 10:10 a.m., C.S.T., Nashville, Tennessee~
Dear Journal~
Louisiana here.
I don't know whether this is a good thing or not; however, Bill and I have both decided that we aren't going to take in any more children with special needs. It has been a long, difficult decision, but we already have more than enough children now--63 strong. More than what most people would take in; however, when we saw their faces, heard their stories, we could not say no.
Now the house is full, and even with the oldest ones being gone, our house is still full of kids. It's not cheap to raise a family like ours; and we are often left financially strapped after bills. If it were not for our church family or our friends, we'd probably be going to the poorhouse.
Bill and I working does help; however, sometimes it doesn't help, particularly when medical concerns are involved. Then we have that to worry about too, and we wonder what the next day is going to bring.
We will continue to work with other families in their adoption journeys; however, ours has come to an end. We would take in more foster children; again, it would mean more expense, and right now, our financial obligations are of utmost importance, as is the care/welfare of the children still here with us.
Our adoption journeys have been nothing short of incredible, if not miraculous. We have seen our children grow, overcome the greatest of odds, and because of our adopting them, they have flourished beautifully and are now starting to spread their wings and fly. They have given us so much in the way of joy, and we can't believe that they have accomplished so much, particularly our more disabled children.
When people were ready to write them off, we saw their inner potential; we acted on that, and now they are accomplishing great things.
Jodie is talking, learning to express herself, as an example. As another example, Johnny has lived ten years longer than what doctors predicted, and now he is a budding author who has just published a book, his first. We have another daughter, Ronee', who is on the verge of country/Cajun music stardom, even with having JRA, and we have a daughter who is going to go to college to become a teacher, even though she herself is severely physically handicapped (no arms or hands, paralyzed from the waist on down due to spina bifida).
Our oldest daughter, Lightning, has given us six beautiful grandchildren, and our third oldest daughter, Dwerlina, has just become a parent herself (a beautiful little baby girl)--the tradition continues. Our own children are bearing children, and the family will continue to grow and flourish, even though our adoption journey has come to an end.
Part of the reason we've decided on not taking in any more children is because we keep getting investigated by the state. More than once they've threatened to take away our children, and we can't handle the pain much longer. We have had to prove that we are not neglecting/abusing the children, and it's been emotionally/financially draining on all of us.
We are being investigated again, and we may have to go to court, to fight for the children we already have. Another neighbor has reported us to the Child Welfare Bureau, and now we are being checked into. We keep getting threatening letters or phone calls, and it's gotten both Bill and myself on edge.
Please keep us in your prayers; we could really use them now!
Some times ones home and heart can become overloaded. Perhaps the decision is for the best. I guess the state is jst trying to do thier job, or someone is trying to make trouble..... LOL...M
I think it's a good decision. As mentioned, they've done so much more than many people do. 63 is a lot of kids!!! The responsibility!! It's a pity the state cannot be thankful. Of course, I suppose certain 'foster' homes must have state supervision, much like senior citizens' homes. Cheers
An era...coming to an end. I "felt" this write... the sadness, the mourning, the pain, the frustration, the anxiety...
I know that the child welfare system is important and has helped many children, but... I have also seen the devastation it can cause when people are unjustly accused. And... sadly, I have seen and heard of instances where the children use it as a power and manipulation tool to get what they want from their parents-- lying to authorities so that they can have what they think they want...more freedom.
I better get off my soapbox because I could go on about this all day.
I will just close by saying "kudos" to the Sandusky family for following their hearts and loving those who needed their love and support. I am sure that the Lord will sustain them through this trial, just as he has through the financial burdens of the past...
Cryssa :~)
A terrible thing when good people have to suffer these threats. You have to fight on as George says. Thank you Karen for sharing.
Newfie Hugs are on the way, Rose
Please Lousiana, go to your nearest journalist and take with you your priest, tell them of those threatening phones and letters and annonimous calls to CWB, let them know that you are giving those children what no institution are capable to bureaucratic do.
Tell the World!!!
And you won't believe the massive response you will get.
Cheer up and don't take it lying down...
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