Chapter Twenty-Three
Ever since they spent time with Sofia at the festival, Maddie’s mind had been racing with thoughts, ideas, ways that she could help that little girl find something good in her life and maybe at the same time fill a gap deep in Maddie’s soul.
Justin had spent Sunday with her and Aiden, a wonderful family day, just the three of them. But she hadn’t found the time to bring up a conversation this important. They couldn’t risk being interrupted by Aiden, and she didn’t want the conversation to devolve into an argument with her son in earshot. Not that she thought it would, but she hadn’t been able to gauge Justin’s level of interest beyond what she had observed of his interactions with Sofia on Saturday.
And then he’d left before Aiden had gone to bed, citing a need to get ready for a busy Monday, so she hadn’t had an opportunity to discuss her thoughts with him before she found herself standing outside Wanda’s office this morning. She was just collecting information. It would be better if she knew more before she broached the subject with Justin, anyway.
“Hey, Maddie, come on in.” Wanda’s ever-present smile brightened Maddie’s day. She didn’t know how the woman was able to stay so upbeat and happy considering the heartbreaking situations she dealt with day in and day out.
“I appreciate you seeing me on such short notice.” Maddie perched on the edge of the couch in Wanda’s office, her hands clenched in her lap. She had spent the past few hours rehearsing what she’d say to Wanda when she met with her, but now all of the words escaped her.
“It’s not a problem. Sofia had such a good time with your family on Saturday. She hasn’t stopped going on and on about it.”
Wanda’s opening was just what Maddie needed. “That’s why I wanted to talk to you today. I wanted to explore the possibilities of spending more time with Sofia.”
Wanda’s expression didn’t betray any reaction. Much like Maddie’s therapist, Wanda simply sat back, letting the silence take over the space between them. Her expression finally softened. “What were you thinking?”
“I wanted to talk about Sofia’s status. I know there are no parents waiting for her to come back home, right?”
“Right.”
Maddie sucked in a deep breath and pressed her hand over her stomach, trying to calm the acid building in her gut. When she’d envisioned growing her family, it was in the traditional way. She never in a thousand years could have predicted the conversation she was having right now. But spending the day with Sofia made her realize there was more than one way to fulfill her dreams. “I want to explore what it takes to become a foster parent.”
Wanda’s raised eyebrows were the only indication that Maddie’s words had surprised her. “I have to tell you. I didn’t expect this. But I’m pleased that you’re considering becoming a foster family.”
Family, yeah, that word might be the problem. “It certainly wasn’t on my radar at first but I’m expanding my options right now.”
“This is not a decision to make lightly. Fostering isn’t for everyone. Opening your home to a child who may leave in one week or one month or one year. It can be heart-wrenching at times. It takes a strong person to withstand losing someone they feel has become part of their family.”
“But it can be wonderful and rewarding, too, right?” Maddie chose to focus on the positive aspects of this situation and not the risks. She knew she could handle it if Sofia found a forever home before they decided whether that home was with them.
“Of course.”
“What does it take to become a foster parent?”
Wanda slid open a desk drawer and pulled out a packet of papers. “If you’re really serious about fostering, this paperwork will walk you through the process. It involves background checks for you and your husband and a home study to assess the viability of your home for placing a foster child. There will be an in-depth evaluation of your family picture to ensure it’s a proper environment for a child. I’m sure you’ll pass all those steps with no problem. You and your husband are the perfect candidates.”
“About that…” How could she phrase this in a way that didn’t jeopardize her chances? She wished Justin were sitting beside her today, his hand in hers as they made this request together. But she knew, deep down in her soul, that he would be supportive of this step. He’d been hesitant when they first ran into Sofia on Saturday, but in the end, he'd enjoyed the time the four of them spent together. “What if it’s just me?”
Wanda leaned her elbows on her desk, the vee between her eyebrows growing more pronounced. “What do you mean?”
How did she explain this so she didn’t ruin her opportunity? “The thing is… Justin isn’t living at home right now.”
“You’re separated?”
“Not officially. We’re taking a break to relieve some tension in the family. But we’re talking and, as you’ve seen on more than one occasion, spending time together as a family. I’m sure he’ll be moving back home soon.” She could only hope. He’d said he’d wanted the same, and after Saturday night, he had to be closer than ever to making that decision.
“We certainly do have single foster parents—being married isn’t a requirement—but it does concern me that Sofia would be going into an unstable home.”
“It’s not unstable. I promise. You’ve met Aiden. He’s the most well-adjusted kid you could ever know. And this is just a small bump in the road that we’re working through. By the time the application process is complete, I’m sure everything will be back to normal.”
“And your husband is supportive of this process?” Maddie couldn’t blame Wanda for being skeptical. If only she’d had a chance to bring this up with Justin yesterday. But since she hadn’t, she could use this time to present the complete picture of what she envisioned, including the steps they would have to take.
“Absolutely.” He would be… as soon as she discussed it with him.
“Well, I see that as encouraging.” She extended her hand, the foster family application between her fingers. “Take this information and get started on the paperwork. You and your husband’s background checks would be the first step.”
Maddie leafed through the extensive list of tasks that had to be completed and her heart fell. So many pages. “This looks like it takes forever. And while we’re waiting, Sofia is stuck here in the group home. Is there anything we could do while we’re waiting? I’d love to spend more time with her while we’re going through the process.”
Wanda bit her lip and tilted her head, like she was trying to come up with a solution. “I could conduct a preliminary home visit and we could then set up a temporary visitation schedule, if that works for you. No overnights right now, but I think Sofia spending some time in your home would be positive for both of you. I’ve seen you with her at the shelter and then at the festival. You’re good for each other. And being with her will give you a taste of what you’re signing up for as a foster parent.”
Maddie couldn’t stop the smile that grew on her face. That sounded like something they could tackle while she worked on her ultimate goal… and Justin. Maddie leapt to her feet and extended her hand to Wanda. “Thanks so much. You have no idea how much this means to me. I look forward to hearing back about the home visit. Please tell Sofia I said hello and I can’t wait to see her again.”
“I will, and Maddie…”
“Yeah?”
“Think about everything I said. Make sure you’re doing this for the right reasons.”
“I will. I promise.” She doubted she would think about anything else.