And now for some positive stories- here is the story of a child that Silhouette would have denied a parent- because the parent is gay
I met my son 9 years ago while I was working at a skilled care facility and we had a unit for special needs adults. Minors were not usually placed there but the state allowed this for one week until a foster placement could be arranged.
Foster care could not be found and he was given a two week extension. Then I agreed to him home and provide respite until his mother could resume care. He could not walk or feed himself, and was not toilet trained. He was 7 years old at the time, primarily strapped in a wheelchair and had all care provided to him. He has cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder. I am a nurse by background so I had a tendency to see his potential.
It was tough the first year, but he accomplished self feeding, walking. Using the bathroom has also improved greatly. Our relationship changed from respite to guardianship to foster care to adoption.
He arrived at my house on July 3, 1998 and we have been a family since. He is absolutely my best gift ever in the whole world! He doesn't say many words although one he does say is "Dad".
I have always wanted a family which included a husband and children. I have been a foster parent and have decided that even though I have not found the right guy I want my own family. I have been approved to adopt again. This time I will have a sibling group of 2-3 children. I never really thought I could be so fortunate to have sons and daughters, but I will soon. And maybe then the right guy will find us.
Tim Dietzen
Appleton, Wisc.
I met my son 9 years ago while I was working at a skilled care facility and we had a unit for special needs adults. Minors were not usually placed there but the state allowed this for one week until a foster placement could be arranged.
Foster care could not be found and he was given a two week extension. Then I agreed to him home and provide respite until his mother could resume care. He could not walk or feed himself, and was not toilet trained. He was 7 years old at the time, primarily strapped in a wheelchair and had all care provided to him. He has cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder. I am a nurse by background so I had a tendency to see his potential.
It was tough the first year, but he accomplished self feeding, walking. Using the bathroom has also improved greatly. Our relationship changed from respite to guardianship to foster care to adoption.
He arrived at my house on July 3, 1998 and we have been a family since. He is absolutely my best gift ever in the whole world! He doesn't say many words although one he does say is "Dad".
I have always wanted a family which included a husband and children. I have been a foster parent and have decided that even though I have not found the right guy I want my own family. I have been approved to adopt again. This time I will have a sibling group of 2-3 children. I never really thought I could be so fortunate to have sons and daughters, but I will soon. And maybe then the right guy will find us.
Tim Dietzen
Appleton, Wisc.