Dear Little One ...

Dear Sweet Child,

I know that I have not met you, nor have you met me, but you already hold such a special place in my heart. I have been preparing my home to be yours, too. The beds were built with you in mind, envisioning your sleepy little self resting comfortably under the soft blankets. Little outfits line the closet, and I ofter wonder which ones will fit you and how many more I'll buy.

Toys and books are plentiful, waiting for little hands to explore. There is a whole pile of stuffed animals; I hope you find a buddy in one of them!

I am sorry we had to meet this way. I know the world you have come to know has just been stripped away from you. I am a stranger and you are in a strange place. While you might feel like the world is against you, I can and do promise you that everyone wants what is best for you. We are all looking out for you.

My name is Catherine; You can call me Miss Catherine, Momma, or what some of my camp girls called me: Coco. It is up to you. I want you to be comfortable. My goal is never to replace your mommy, but rather to shower you with the love you were born to receive.

While some families have a mommy and a daddy, or brothers and sisters, and a grandma and grandpa that live away, my family is definitely unique. Here you will have me, as well as "Papa" or "Grandpa" The little fluff ball of a puppy is "Mona" but rarely do we call her that. She might take a little bit of time to warm up to you, but after the initial phase of getting to know each other, if you allow it, she will be your best friend. She loves to play fetch, and go for walks outside and gather leaves to bring inside. She will gladly sit on your lap and watch a movie with you ... especially if snacks are involved!

After sometime you will meet my own Momma and my four sisters. One of whom is close to your age and has been in your position before. Beyond the seven of us, there are a multitude of aunts, uncles and cousins. We will do introductions slowly and in the fashion that you are the most comfortable with.

While you are in my home for this short while, I want to constantly remind you that your momma, daddy and family love you so much. As they are able to, they are working on getting help so they can love you so much more then they have ever been able to before.

In this home you are free to feel. You might be sad or angry and I promise that I will do all that I can to help you express these feelings in a wholly and healthy way. We will have great days where joy and happiness are the dominant emotions. We will also have challenging days where emotions get the better of us and crying or yelling is the only form of relief we can manage. We are in this together, Little One!

It won't always be easy. But it will be what we make it. Even though I have to work, we will still have plenty of time to do things when I am home! We will go for walks, and hikes. We will visit the beach and the park. We can build forts out of sheets and chairs and sofas and play pretend. We can read bed time stories, and do each others hair and nails. We can play wrestle and experiment in the kitchen and do science projects. We can play sports and ride bikes. We can visit friends and have play dates. You can be yourself -- be a child!

Love won't be lacking in this house. I have long been preparing for you. First my heart and now my home. It is only a matter of time before I embrace you in my arms. Again, these circumstances are not ideal to met, but to be in your position I want to offer you trust and confidence. I am certainly not perfect, but through God's grace I will be able to offer you something that perhaps you have never experienced.


I promise to love you with all my heart, to the best of my ability. Even when you move to be with your forever/permanent family you will be engraved in my heart. You will always be welcomed back to visit, or we can possibly schedule play dates.

I promise that you will be safe in my home, heart and arms. All that I do will be in your best interest. I want to see you happy and healthy. I, too, need to be healthy in order to give you the environment you need to thrive!

I promise to love and nurture you in such a way that I would want anyone to love and nurture my own child.

The future is bright, Sweet Child. While right now you may feel lost, scared and alone, I am praying for you. I pray that you are comforted by the Amazing Love of Father God and that negatives will be turned into positives. I pray that you feel peace in your heart. I pray that sorrow be turned into joy, and that anger is turned into calmness. I am your advocate. I pray that I can be all that you need me to be. I pray that we will have a bond that is unique and special.

I love you, Little One. We have yet to meet but you have already won my heart.

So much extra love to give,
Catherine