I’ll save you from having to read my life story right off the bat. I feel that being a reader is a lot like getting to know someone: too much information too soon is unsolicited and undesirable in most cases. So I’ll take it slow, dear reader.
I have a tendency to start things and not finish them. My writing included. I graduated with a degree in English in hopes of becoming a brilliant writer. Here I am, 10 years later, still fraudulently calling myself a writer. Nothing published. Hardly anything finished.
Looks like I’m beginning to tell you my life story after all. I digress.
Here’s one thing I will tell you: I’m a foster mom. It is the most difficult yet rewarding job ever, as I’m sure most natural mothers would say about raising their children. So far we have had a total of 5 children come into our home and have fallen in love with each and every one. My husband, Michael, and I don’t have children of our own, so you can imagine the adjustments we’ve had to make going from no kids, having all the free time in world to live as selfishly as we wanted, to suddenly having multiples…at different ages.
We were basking in the Caribbean sun one week with no one to worry about except a dog and bird at home. The next week we are changing diapers, potty training, desperately looking for pacifiers while driving to stop the blood-curdling screams in the backseat, cleaning up all kinds of human excrement off of…so many things, wiping noses, running to the store to buy diapers and then coming home to find out I accidently grabbed the wrong size and they are useless!, finding the sippy cup full of milk that’s been missing the last 3 days under the driver’s seat…in August. I could go on and on, but again, I digress.
I don’t care how many foster parenting classes you go to, it doesn’t really prepare you for the realities of being a new parent.
But we also weren’t prepared for the amount of joy each of the kids brought into our lives and how difficult it would be to say goodbye. We learned what it is to live selflessly for the good of others, and it’s way more satisfying.
I sit here at my computer tonight trying to enjoy this moment. The kids are in bed, resting peacefully with full bellies and warm blankets. Baths have been given, teeth have been brushed, and books have been read. I’m trying to enjoy this moment instead of thinking about having to say goodbye soon and what a tough day that will be.
Pray for me, dear reader, as I go to bed with a heart too heavy to bear, looking forward to another day with these little pumpkins tomorrow and not taking a single moment for granted.
Foster Mommying 
Watching you and being able to share a little with you on this journey is a pleasure! You and Michael are doing a wonderful job. Prayers and love always…
Melissa
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I love you my sweet daughter. You and Michael have given your love and opened your home to little ones who have lost so much. You have shown them what love and family truly is. We will continue to pray for you both and those sweet babies that have come into our lives due to your unselfish love for them. We love you both dearly.
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I loved reading this! I’m so proud of you and Michael. I love you!
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As a “Foster Pawpaw”, it’s going to be difficult saying goodbye to those kids. I can’t imagine how difficult it will be for you and Michael. However, I see so many blessings in all of this. Mom and I are blessed with a wonderful and amazing daughter and an equally amazing son-in-law. And I can see how God has blessed you and Michael in so many ways. And now God is using you and Michael to be a blessing for these kids at a time in their lives when they really need it. I don’t think anyone could give them a more loving home than what you’ve given them. What you’re doing is admirable, inspirational and makes Mom and I so proud of you. We love you and Michael both and we’ll enjoy supporting you however we can as long as you’re on this journey.
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Congratulations to you Nikki and Michael on the awesome job you do each day with these wonderful kids!! They are so lucky to have both of you in their lives. Your gift gives them hope…and that is the best reward. You are a great writer, Nikki—Thanks for sharing your story. Remember, there is no such thing as a substitute mom…You are the real mom. Even though you are not their birth mom you work harder and fight for these kids every chance you get. We need more moms like you, Nikki. We are so proud of you and Michael. We love you—Mark and Carmela
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Thank you, Uncle Mark! I’m very blessed I have you and Carmela as family.
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Some of us go through our whole lives spouting our beliefs and accomplishments , resting on our laurels with all this pontificating… and then there is a special minority who have chosen to say “yes” to God’s calling and live the message and not just speak it. Unconditional love. You and Michael have given the gift of possibility to all of us privileged to witness it. We may never know the impact our love and acceptance has had on others. Nonetheless, lives are changed by our actions. What a blessing you both are for those dear ones in your care, for those who know you as friends and for those fortunate enough to call you family. You are truly God’s instruments and your music is beautiful!
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Thank you for your beautiful words, Grammy. They are uplifting and encouraging, as always.
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Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. You are both incredibly brave to both be a foster parent and willing to share the experience. I’m truly happy for you and will pray for you and the little ones that come through your home.
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Thank you, Crystal!
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