Can we keep her?

I am currently hosting a friend's daughter. I have had the privilege to have her in my house since Sunday afternoon. I think the plan (her parent's plan) is for her to return home on Saturday. Their plan and mine do not match up. I think I'm keeping her. I know I want to. I think that she's really my daughter, I just didn't give birth to her. I guess that would have to count for something though - the whole birth-giving thing. The thing is, even my kids want to keep her. I think we've rescued too many strays - they think if a creature stays around for more than a night or two, they get to decide if we keep it or not.

So, while I don't think my plan to keep her will work out, I do want her folks to understand that they have done a fantabulous job raising this young lady. I also want to let you know that we may not be available to answer any phones or emails until I'm ready to give her up. We have caller ID & know how to use it. :) I also know Mar's love for the roads that have to be taken to get to my house, so I feel somewhat safe keeping her at my house.

I may be able to bribe my children into releasing your child back into your custody if we can hand-deliver her and insure that she is better off at your house by having an in-home evaluation period of a few days.

I'm just say'n.

Take care - Me

Not so happy...

Happy Birthday Mom.

I miss you, the kids miss you and generally everyone I've talked to lately misses your smile.

Sis and I are going to town to each lunch today. I told the kids I'd get some flowers to plant and a couple of balloons to release. Rokimus started crying last night. He misses you. If I remember correctly, it's the first time he's really cried about you being gone. There's so much that you're not here to see, to touch, to respond to. I know you like the term "stop to smell the flowers" but I'm going to have to take your post-surgery version of "flip the flowers" for today. I am happy that you were born, I am grateful that we had you for as long as we did and knew you until our adulthood and that my kids have memories of you. But really - this sucks.

Take care - Me