Scott and I spent Sunday with Carlton and Zackery. It is rare that Scott and I are both able to be away at the same time. I am ever so grateful to Sarah (and Paden) and Stuart for watching my crew. I laughed and told Paden that it surely must be love, nothing else would keep him there with the Smotherman heathens otherwise:)
We picked up Zack in time to eat lunch at Shoney's with both the boys. Those two sure can pack away some food!!
Scott and the boys played putt putt golf....
The boys rode go-carts....
It was good for us both to have time with Zack and for Carlton (Zack's oldest birth sibling) to be with us.
This morning, early, Scott and I were at the courthouse to relinquish our parental rights on Zack. NOT ever where we expected to be, not ever what we wanted to happen, but done...none the less. We have been so blessed to live in a small town, to know most everyone and be known by most everyone...this morning the judge actually encouraged US! He told us to not let this one situation discourage what we do...affirmation was very nice on a day like today. The DCS worker stated that they were looking for an adoptive home with no more than 2 children, preferably none and the State's Dr. had stated no children in the home under 15 years of age. Again, confirmation to Scott and I that the opportunity or feasibility of Zack ever coming home is nil. But, in the appropriate placement he is safe and those around him are safe and with that safety comes the opportunity of successful living. Some things in this life are so sad...this is among our greatest.
I am sorry for the pain you are feeling. {{{{Hugs}}}}
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry...but how kind of the judge to encourage you two.
ReplyDeleteIt must be so hard, sorry.
ReplyDeleteThis is a fear of mine. But, I continue to have hope as they are still young.
I did have to laugh when you described your children as "heathens"
We call ours "little sinners."
:-)
Blessings from the North,
Summer
:) Summer I try very hard to not "label" my kids, they tend to live up to my expectations! But, sometimes they are what they are.... While I was traveling with Scott a food fight broke out. I truly (almost..just because I rarely say never) never remember my kids doing that in my presense. But, I think when it comes to some of the behaviors they doled to big sister? Heathen was applicable:)
ReplyDeleteBlessings from my wet cold rainy town to your oven!
Amanda
Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI loathe labels--and if I could I would use a stronger word.
However, we are born as heathens and sometimes this becomes quite apparent.
Thank God, through Jesus Christ, for forgiveness and sanctification.
Love from the oven,
S
P.S. I would be grateful for your prayers--the town we live in is in the midst of a possible ebola outbreak.
VERY MUCH agree with your thanksgiving for our Lord and the sacrifice of Jesus!
ReplyDeleteI begin a ladies class on Ecouragement tonight (from Aubrey Johnson's book The Barnabas Factor) and I have so greatly benefited from the reading before class even bigins!!
Reminds me of your encouragement....I always appreciate it so much!!
BIG prayers for your town and especailly your family!!
Blessings,
Amanda
I am humbly blessed by your comment.
ReplyDeleteI will have to take a look into this book you spoke of.
Much appreciation for your prayers :-)
Summer