It is this time of year when all of our emotions seem to be living on our sleeve.

This is so very true when it comes to kids who are new to adoption or foster care. Children with Bi Polar Disorder or Oppisitional Defiant Disorder and other mental illness that include Depression.

Their inner pain often comes out at the very people whom they love and need the most. They often say "I don't love you.", "Leave me alone.". "Get out of my sight.", or "I hate you."

Usually this all comes out when they are angry. Later it may be followed by tears. They feel as if they are alone in the world and they do not want anyone to love them or to care about them. They are so emotionally raw that it is easier for them to just turn off the hurt and feel nothing instead of facing the anger and the pain.

So they might strike out and say or do things that will push you as far away from them as they think they can get you. After all no one else who said they loved them ever stayed around long enough in their life to get past the pain. They just figure you won't be there long either.

This is the moments in life when God sends Angels.
He somehow gives us the faith to keep loving our children and to nurture them.

Sometimes I wish I could put my arms around the hurting children of the world and let them just cry.
Maybe the flood of tears could bring healing and wash away the pain of yesterdays worry.

It is never easy to hear your child say they hate you or that they wish you were dead. It rips your heart out when they say that you are not their real mom and you never will be.

But all those words are said out of anger and pain.
Most of the time they wish they could take the words back just as fast as they have said them. Almost all the time that hurt and anger is meant to come out at someone else. But you are the one who is there and will love them enough to hear the words. To let them express the emotions. And, still be there when they are finished and will help them pick up their pieces and love them again.

Man being a parent can really be a pain at times.
However there is no great joy on earth. Your kisses are like band aides, your hugs bring warmth in the coldest of winters, your smile can work miracles. Just knowing you are there makes them able to sleep easier at night.

Is it possible that in reality we simply need to be needed and loved? That this alone could heal most of the mental illness and depression of the world?
Could just knowing you are there be enough to sooth
the soul?

You may not think so now when the words are hitting like rocks and are being thrown at you....but in a few years of stable love. Those stones will become kisses. Life has it's own way of helping us gain what we need emotionally to grow up and grow stronger. Hang in there. Someone out there has been there done that and lived through it before you. We shall survive.