Eventually reality hits me!
For almost a year, I've been quietly working on expanding my family. After I decided that I was ready to take this big step, I talked to a wise woman who fosters, and she gave me some great advice to get started. I contacted a local foster/adoption agency, and thus my adventure began. I spent evenings and occasional weekends taking classes that included child development, communication, medication administration, recognizing sexual abuse and trauma, cultural understanding, behavior management, and more. I believe that many of the classes should be mandatory for all parents, not just those who are seeking a license. I had to complete an application that disclosed every part of my life from my finances to my divorce to my relationship with my family to my neighborhood demographics, etc. I also had to complete a background check, get CPR certified, buy a fire extinguisher, get a gas inspection, and have personal references vouch for my character. Since I am doing this solo, I als...