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More like him

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Foster kids get a bad rap. Even among people who are huge advocates for kids in foster care--they still warn you about everything. I know it's because as much as they've seen the good, they've also seen and heard the horror stories. Everyone just wants to be cautious. And I am. But I'm also kind of tired of being reminded.

Bently approved.

J has spent the night once and this weekend he'll probably spend the night again. We've submitted paperwork to make the move official and we think it'll happen the week after spring break. It's in the courts' hands.

But this week we got a call from the social worker just reminding us again to keep an eye on him. The reason? Someone saw him say something dirty to a friend on Facebook once.

WHAT?! A TEENAGE BOY SAID SOMETHING ENTIRELY INAPPROPRIATE TO ANOTHER TEENAGE BOY?!!? That kid must be a sexualized psycho! Or not.

Look, I'm not about to leave J home alone with my two very little girls or even alone in another room. Cause you don't do that. But I'm already tired of him being scrutinized because he's had everything he has ever done slightly wrong documented and placed in his file. It's crazy. We have no idea the last time DCS reached out to his biological parents--but we know he told another kid an inappropriate joke a year ago?

Here's what I do know about J:
He's incredibly accepting. He will strike up a game or a conversation with anyone of any age, race, gender or sexual orientation. He has no problem playing happily with the girls and I've seen him have a BALL with people who I struggle to spend time with. His hyperness allows him to keep up with and relate to even the most "difficult" children. 
He is strictly anti-bullying. This caught us a little off guard because I don't consider us bullies either but even jokes at other people's expenses while they are not around are not tolerated. He just doesn't like it.
He's going to make me a better person. I need him to teach me his ways but we'll get there.

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