The call came in. After months of anticipation that a child would be placed in our home, after several false alarms and after a respite placement, the call came in.
Two siblings. Female, Hispanic, 7 years old; Male, Hispanic, 1 year.
"Bring them on. I'll meet you there." I replied to the placement case manager. I rushed home from work and busied myself with straightening out the house.
"They will arrive around 3", I informed the husband.
Three o'clock came and went. 4 o'clock came and went. What takes so long? 5 o'clock came and went. I was nearly a basket case.
The door bell rang and the reply from the dogs nearly knocked me over. They had arrived.
I opened the door.
The case manager stood at the door. Her corn-rowed hair was professionally woven. Her practical TJ Maxx suit and fancy shoes were immaculate. She urged the children to come forward.
There was a beautiful, freckled lassie carrying her baby brother, almost as long as she was.
We invited everyone in and I spoke to the little girl. Both she and her brother kneeled on our couch, peering over the back. After some formalities the case manager left.
We were left with two little strangers in our home.
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