Well I’m glad I ignored the advise of everyone who said not to visit the foster family. We had a great day. They arrived with 4 kids, including granddaughter, niece, foster child, etc. We had a great breakfast, and then ran around the park, did a ½ horse carriage tour, (which the kids loved!) and then came to the apartments, where some residents had set up a little wading pool.

But more important than what we did was the love that was so clear. Liana spent the first year and one month of her life in the loving embrace of this wonderful extended family. I cannot imagine how hard it must be to offer a child so much love for a year, and then to just see her go. Later in the day, when we were all feeling comfortable with one another, the foster mom took Liana off for a bit of a private walk. I saw them on the other side of the park, and the senora was holding her and talking to her and cuddling her, and getting just a little bit of private time before having to give her away for forever… this child who she had so loved and nurtured.

We will see how Liana wakes up from her nap. She might have a bit of a regression. She might not. She went easily from arm to arm today, being passed around by adults and kids, and then easily back to me. Even if she has a little bit of a throw-back, it was still worth it to honor these wonderful people whose impact on Liana will always be there.

I am really glad I did this.