"Reflections On Married Life..."

What a hectic and incredible week we've had here at the Flournoy-Cummings'!

On December 22, our foster son Dustin joined our home...  He is the sweetest and smartest little 9 year old that you'll ever meet.  And as is the case with almost all foster children, he comes to us from tragic circumstances and I suspect that is what makes his responses so precious as you do little routine things for him and he expresses such sincere gratitude... He's hasn't ever taken love, caring and acceptance for granted.

My husband Eddie and our cat Joni, waiting for Dustin to arrive 12-22-2014

Of course with Dustin's sudden arrival so close to Christmas, it upended our holiday plans completely. We had to scramble to ensure "Santa" knew where Dustin lives and could get down our chimney (he sweetly pointed out that we needed to extinguish that fire in the hearth on Christmas eve).  

Despite not a lot of time to prepare, Dustin was delighted on Christmas morning by all the gifts and toys that he got. I couldn't thank my sister Lisa and my niece Whitley enough for their help in shopping for him too. And as Christmas is about love and sharing and giving, we of course taught him the joy of giving as he went around with Poppa Eddie on Christmas Eve to deliver gifts of Christmas cookies that he helped make last Tuesday. I have to say, the joy and wonder on his face was incredible to see as we took butter, flour, sugar, eggs and chocolate and made cookies, he said he'd never made cookies at home before.

Over the holiday, we introduced him to the members of his new extended family and everyone gave him a warm welcome to our clan. My brother William joined us for Christmas dinner and we all laughed as Dustin tackled his first Beef Wellington and turned his nose up at brussels sprouts.

This week, as we were enjoying just watching him play with his toys and enjoy the comforts of our home, we got a call on Monday morning asking if we'd take his 13 year old brother as well. After a hurried discussion by Eddie and myself, we asked Dustin if he'd like his brother to join him and of course he said yes.  So last Monday evening, his brother, D'Metris (everyone calls him "Meechie") also joined our happy home.

D'Metris is also a very sweet boy, who will need a little more time to adjust to life in our home and to life with two Dads, but we're sure in time he'll be just as happy as his little brother.  Both of them quickly stole our hearts and even at this early stage, we are sure that we'll be offering them a permanent adoptive home.

We were actually quite surprised when Dustin arrived last week, we really weren't expecting to have any children before the new year because although we've had our foster license for some time now, we were specific about the circumstances of the child(ren) we'd be willing to foster. Eddie and I did not want to experience the heartache of becoming attached to a child that would then leave to either return to birth parents or some other placement, so we were adamant that any child we fostered, had to be eligible for adoption. Both Dustin and D'Metris are in need of a permanent home and they've both said they like us as much as we like them. So at least for now, it seems that our Christmas wish has come true.

Last night we celebrated the arrival of the new year and the boys with a movie and special treats as we waited for midnight together. Just before midnight, I brought out the paper hats, horns and noisemakers and when the clock struck midnight, what a racket we made... I think Poppa Eddie had as much or more fun as the boys did. Poppa Christopher was tired after a day of working around the house, cooking and doing laundry, so I went to bed shortly after the new year's arrival and I left them to savor the fun of toasting the new year with sparkling apple juice in champagne glasses.

Now, I'm up siting with our cat, Joni and writing and wondering what time the rest of our household will rise and shine.  I suspect it will be a couple of hours from now, so I'll just be reflecting on the wonderful joy having children brings to your life.  It adds a spark that nothing else does.  It makes spouses kinder and more loving towards one another. And, it fulfills a desire deep within your heart to love and nurture the next generation. It doesn't matter if you're gay or not, all that matters about having a family is love.

"Happy New Year!"

"Fear Eats the Soul"