On top of our list was the loss of our baby Tman to an adoptive home. I know in my head that God made the right choice when He brought Tman's-siblings-adoptive family into the picture. After all the months that no one had stepped up - we went to court in January for the preliminary show cause for termination. No one showed but us - and we were ecstatic when the judged ruled for tpr right then and there and we were able to head out on our way to Arizona. Little did I know that just 3 short weeks later - my life was going to get torn up again...
But, we headed south - and spent the night with Mom. Tman just loves his Grandma JJ! His little face just lights up (as does hers) when they see each other! It is funny how a little person that is of absolutely no relation can bring so much joy to so many people! I somehow cannot put much faith in people that use the 'not my blood' or 'is my blood' as excuses for bad behavior... anyhow... Here is the man at Grandma's house... He is learning to use that spoon (not always the right end even goes into the mouth - but he knows it goes there!) Grandma and Aunt TT took him to the playground and they totally wore him out! Worked out great for us to load up and leave towards evening to head over to Arizona. Thought it would be a good idea to do the long part of our drive while he would be sleeping since he hates the car seat so much! btw... we even bought him a new Cadillac style carseat since we knew he'd be in it for so long!
Well, 12 hours later we pulled into Bullhead. I was so glad to get there! Tman decided about 4 am that he was done, done, done with that seat so the last couple hours were touch and go. We stopped several times for rests - but still had to keep going. He was also very glad that we FINALLY made it to where we were going and he didn't have to get back into that seat!He is such a happy boy! We fixed up a special area for his bed and toys - a spot to call his own - and he loved playing in it. Of course, being in a travel trailer for 2 weeks - we were all pretty close all the time :)
Dad and Keith gated and boxed in the end of the deck so we wouldn't have any inadvertent 'run-aways' - of either kid or puppy! Tman, Chato, and Cinco all had a blast in the nice dry climate and being able to run in and out, and out and in!
By this time, we've had contact with Tman's 'other family' and have learned that they are leaning towards taking him into their family. In conversation, I totally understand why they stood back so far, for so long. And really, as much as I love him, I do understand her reasons. He is a very, very lucky little boy to go to a family that has so much love in them - and to have siblings that aren't 35 years older than him - and to have parents that are young enough to be parents instead of parents old enough to be his great-grand-parents. After a lot of discussion and a LOT of prayer, Keith and I decided that it is best for him to us be his foster grandparents - if his new family will let us do that. Plans were made to meet with them when we arrive in Eugene - and then transition on his 18 month birthday. A sad day for sure - heartbreaking to drive away with him watching me with the questions in his eyes. So many prayers for him. I have photos of him with his new family but hesitate to post them due to sensitivity and security issues - so I will just leave it at - they've said that we can stay in touch and will be able to visit. I just have to trust in God and their word that it will be so.
T-man - we all love you and miss you more than you will ever know...
