I arrive to the same court room I have always gone to, this time my confidence has been compromised. Trying to keep a smile on my face I greet all the parties involved in our case. I notice a woman and man standing, looking like they are “new” to the process. I can only assume that is the aunt and uncle. My social butterfly gene wants to introduce myself, but knowing that actions and words are crucial at this point I refrain from doing so.

AJ walks up, gives me a hug, and again reassures me that everything should be fine. “should” …. Ya that’s the word I keep getting caught up on. Time will tell.

Well, the attorney for the aunt and uncle was coming from deep into the city and running late. So, we have to wait until the end of the docket. Great, thankfully my new job is extremely understanding, and I am allowed to stay as long as I need to.  -I left my previous state job to now work with the local Foster Care agency. A much better fit and much more family friendly, ironically. Even if I don’t adopt the girls, I plan to continue to foster. I need a job that understands that role and is flexible as such.

As I look up I see the attorney walk up, who is representing the aunt and uncle. Out of the hundreds of family lawyers they could have chosen (blindly I may add) … it was one I knew! I couldn’t believe it. I’ve known this guy since I was a teenager. He would be able to facilitate a conversation with the aunt and uncle knowing me personally. Yes, we made sure there wasn’t a conflict of interest immediately. I cannot believe it!

Joe (the attorney I knew) asked the aunt and uncle if they were willing to meet with me and talk prior to the case being called. Of course I agreed, so did they. We were pulled into a conference room just outside the courtroom. I introduced myself to the aunt and uncle and likewise. They quickly explained that they learned from Joe that I was a great mother figure for the girls and that there was never a time the girls went without. Apparently, the aunt and uncle heard about the girls being in Foster Care and immediately thought the worst. They were familiar with the horror stories that media portrays Foster Homes to be less than ideal situations for the kids. They only asked for their home study to be considered for the older sibling in their home and mentioned the girls so they didn’t have to be in a bad situation anymore. After talking with them and sharing stories (they were able to give information about Pam I didn’t know about) they verbally told their attorney “we elect to withdraw our home study for the girls. They are obviously in good hands.” I was still in shock. So many things happened in such a short amount of time. I actually asked them to repeat what they said… to make sure I heard it right.

After speaking with Joe, he explained that he wasn’t actually supposed to have this case. His firm accepted the request since they assisted with the older sibling many years ago. That particular attorney was out on vacation and Joe, graciously, volunteered to take on the case. We both believe it was divine intervention. Had to be!

Our case was finally called and all 20 people (not exaggerating) entered the room. As I scan the room, it seems overwhelming, but then I think to myself: you know… These are ALL the people advocating for these children. This woman gave birth to 6 children and now doesn’t have custody of any of them. A community and their relatives have come together to ensure their lives aren’t compromised. It’s a sad, but uplifting moment.

Pam enters in the courtroom in her inmate attire. Obviously not happy to be confronted by her in-laws.

My heart is pounding. I know they verbally said it in our meeting, but this is the REAL moment. They must say the same statement in court for it to count. Poor Joe, unfamiliar with child welfare, had a petition that they considered to be poorly written. But hey, it got the point across.  “Yes, your honor. We are only perusing the case to be reopened as to the older sibling in their home. They have agreed to no longer ask for custody of the youngest siblings. They feel their current placement is best”. I want to cry, I felt a million pounds lifted from my shoulders. AJ turns towards me with a huge smile on her face and she mouthed “I told you”.

The judge signed off on all the requests. Now we proceed to the TPR trial (where there is a full trial on whether or not Pam’s rights will be terminated). The relatives are taking a chance. Now that their cases are reopened the children are as though they were removed from Pam. Giving them a chance to reunify with Pam. They must be more confident. Me on the other hand, one day at a time. Today was a win for me. The girls aren’t leaving for at least another month or so.

I let out a huge sigh in my car. I didn’t go back to work, I picked up the girls early… I’m sure you can only imagine why lol.