The arrival of our second son was much less traumatic.

He was born 2.5 months early. He was the smallest baby I ever held. I remember calling my mom with the news of the arrival of her second grand son and describing him as a small roast, you could hold him in one hand.

His mom was so high she did not even know she was giving birth....she was using throughout her pregnancy.

The case worker spent about an hour with us, showing us all the things we needed to do for him.....his skin was paper thin and there was special cream to put on it to help protect it...stuff for his eyes, what his feeding schedule needed to be and above all info on detoxing infants.

When it was time for her to leave I just wanted to grab her leg and ask her to stay......

Raising Jarod was hard....it was impossible to comfort him thru the withdrawal....all we could do was constantly change his sleepers as he would sweat profusly and take a lot of, go stand outside breaks, while he would just scream blood curling screams.....

What stands out the most in my mind about those days was My oldest son trying hard to distract him.....they both knew pain and could relate at a very special level....

The next few years we would spend weeks at a time in Chicago childrens hospital for various digestive tract and respiratory issues. At one point he required air transport to Hope Children's Hosp. I remember watching life Flight leaveand then driving there without him in the rain....praying he would still be with us, sometimes I felt so selfish....
I remember one particular event. jarod was breathing like darth vader..he was admitted to childrens hosp....one of the tests revealed a mass in his chest....while dealing with the unknown we were recieving phone calls from our 1st sons case worker....his case was to be heard by the Supreme court...this is another story, but at that we were facing the potential loss of both sons...

Miracles happen...I am witness and believe in the strength of HOPE..as both are still here with me and healthy strong, bright young boys....the years of PT OT speech therapy have paid off

We still have a long path to travel....but what family doesn't

Whats the saying....what doesn't kill you makes you strong!

Comments:

Years ago we had foster children, it was hard work...you have all my admiration

I am loving your stories, inspirational

Just for the record--you have awakened a paternal instinct in me that I have never had in my 72 years--I want to adopt you, your partner, the 3 kids, the 3 dogs and the other 3 pets!!!

comment by greatmartin on Mar 27, 2008 3:57 PM ()

I think you already have.....

reply by ocean1 on Mar 27, 2008 6:01 PM ()

I do agree with everyone who has read your posts: You are incredible! The children have wonderful parents who care for them as no one else could. They are going to be truly fine people, which is what counts in life.

comment by ocean1 on Mar 26, 2008 7:59 PM ()

You are MOST welcome, dear! We're just so pleased that you've found an outlet for all that you have inside! And, your stories are GREAT!!!

reply by whereabouts on Mar 26, 2008 8:22 PM ()

I am unable to tell you in words how much I admire you and your partner--I know you feel blessed having the kids but they are certainly blessed to have come into your home.
And here in Florida we aren't allowed to adopt because 'every child should have a mother and father'--all children need are people like you!

comment by greatmartin on Mar 26, 2008 7:48 PM ()

Thank You for your kind words....

reply by ocean1 on Mar 26, 2008 8:13 PM ()

Martin, we were lucky enough to address a conference of Social workers from Florida who were visiting The Child Study Center in Chicago.......there were a few hundred, speaking one on one after our little speech...I sensed that they were not happy with Florida laws....My family advocates for change as this is good....love is just that....love it matters not from where it comes....I look at the traditional families in our neighborhood and see children that are so missing being the sparkle in their parents life....I just wish there was a way to spred the love...

reply by ocean1 on Mar 26, 2008 7:56 PM ()

Rosemary, you know you are amazing, don't you?

comment by whereabouts on Mar 26, 2008 7:43 PM ()

Look up please I missed my comment mark again.....

reply by ocean1 on Mar 26, 2008 8:00 PM ()