The Visit

Saturday night I get in from my trip and gram, the girls and I pack up A's room. I think there were 8 kitchen garbage sacks filled with clothes and mainly toys that her mommy had bought her while she was here. Then there was the play kitchen, little kid table that I had never even unwrapped, and her scooter. There was still enough room for Lucas to cram in the backseat. We picked Lucas up from a sleepover. He said he went to sleep at 4:30. Great. I was sure we would see signs of a sleepover hangover as we call it at my house. Thats another story. My mom thought we were going to a Methodist church, I guess because I'd talked about the Methodist men's group helping. Camille was mad we weren't going to our church and wanted to know where we were going. I said as long as there wasn't a golden idol or a cow at the center of the stage and that our God was being worshipped then we would be fine to be there one Sunday. Walked in and A was in a prayer circle. Her mommy said they went early for the prayer service because she figured they could use all the prayers they could get. We were treated like royalty. The congregation was so warm and friendly. A's mommy proudly introduced us to several people. Saw another case worker from the cps office. I think she was surprised to see me there. We enjoyed the service, even Camille. Got to hold A on my lap and Madeline larder told me that she was holding A's hand. Then she went back to her mommy. It has to be so confusing for her trying to figure this out. I told her that all of her family was there and that we all love her. I was told that kk & Z were doing great. They had all had dinner together the night before. Madeline & Camille are constantly asking when we can see the. I think I'll contact Auntie & see if we can meet this weekend. I'm a little fearful that seeing the will make me miss them more.

After church we followed the to way out of town. A term that I would hear used in my teenage years comes to mind but I will refrain from profanity or acronyms for profanity. It wasn't even a trailer park. Just a corner of some land off a dirt road. It has been a day since I was there. Since then I have gone thru the emotions of being sad,angry, disgusted, and the apathetic to what I saw. I will try to paint a bit of a picture without sounding too pious. Appliance and old chair in the front that could be deemed a yard. A was freaking out at what I thought was a dog toy. Camille kicked it with her cowboy boot. Nope, A's daddy said it was real. Really dead. 5 dogs so no wonder. Stairs that looked like they could give way any minute. No hand rail. Litter box under the kitchen table. I will stop with that. A was so proud to show us her room. I am so happy that she has no concept of the differences between homes. On the way out I hushed Camille as she was groaning about the size of A's room. If it was only the size that she saw the. I am happy. We unloaded everything, said our goodbyes and I told them to call if they ever needed anything. And thus is the end of the chapters of A. I'm not sure when our paths will meet again. I am sure that they have a church family to support them and tons of love for A. The rest I am just not really clear about.