At first I struggled with feelings of shame and guilt until I realized I was internalizing the criticisms of people who loved me, but did not share my lived experience.

We need resources, we are not trained for this.

This is kinship and it’s really hard.

We have navigated first time driving, first dates and your first job. As I look to the future the list of firsts seems endless.

I wish I knew what the future holds for our child, and our family, but what I do know is that openness does develop beyond placement, and much like other personal relationships it takes time, commitment, and a whole lot of personal growth.