The Reiki Cafe 

Greetings,
I am in a kind of crises. I have taken on 2 kids who are distant relatives who were in shelter care. Have had them for over a year and other relatives are not helping. Sort of like FEMA in a disaster. Maybe will keep them a few more months and let them go into foster care as they are not mine or family's responsibility. Any tips on this would be appreciated. thanks,
Prosperity

Wow! No doubt you thought it would be short term? I do not have any advice for you as I have never experienced anything like this. I guess you must be feeling a little torn, and maybe isolated? You say that you have had very little support from your other family members. A huge commitment like this should not be burdening you in such a way. All I can suggest is do what you are doing now. Listen to your self and remember to take care of yourself.
I have a close friend who has adopted a child and it seems to me that the thing about people who adopt/foster is that they make it their focus to take responsibility for that child and love it unconditionally.
Blessings
Allycat

Dear Alleycat,
Well it does take much of my (our)time which I enjoy, yet I feel they are not my or our total responsibility and they do have some behavior problems. I did not think we (my family) and I would have them as long as we have. I just don't want them to detract too much attention from my (our) son who is so mature and helpful and does enjoy them. He's a pre-teen. It's also not a good financial plan or business decision as we get little help in that area. Or support emtionally. True, I turn down some time with friends so it's somewhat isolating as I'm told I should let them go. Yet it has had it's blessings. thanks for your response.
peace,
Prosperity

Otoharo!

I have waited and waited to reply since it is hard for me to fathom how I would handle this. I have lived alone so long, it is had to recall how being in daily interaction with another person let alone a couple is a big step. I would probably have taken them in when I was of an age to do so. However, your spouse has to be with you on whatever you want to do. Whatever you do, bring them in to the discussion so they can feel their own power. They may come up with an alternative you have not thought of. If they are of an age to earn money on the side, they may wish to do so. Many of us have taken on responsibilities not our own simply becasue this is the way we live. So I bless you whatever your choice.

finality

Dear Finality,
Thank you for the suggestion of bringing them in for the discussion to feel their own power. They are old enough to do stuff around the house and true my husband has to be with me on this. Somedays he is and they do need a guy as a father figure and he is so good and gentle with kids. We are looking at doing foster care. thanks so much,
Peace,
Prosperity