Take 1: It was arranged with Carol (Sharon’s full-time foster mum) that after the few home visits we’ve had (both at theirs & mine), I would have Sharon over tonight for our first few hours just the two of us for me to cook her tea. Coupled with that I also have my social worker AND Sharon’s social worker (who I’ve not yet met) coming for a short visit too. All together for the first hour, then Sharon would stay with me for a bit.
Add to the mix a lodger I have staying with me for a few weeks who will be around tonight – and with all his stuff in the foster room. Lovely guy. But I figured if the social workers aren’t happy he’s there (which is fair enough) Sharon & I can go for a walk or something after they leave.
Then add to the mix the fact I have a full-time job. A job which I just left briefly at lunch to make a rainy trip to the shops buy dinner for me and Sharon. I got something easy all children like: pizza. And frozen peas. Just call me Nigella.
I texted Carol to double check Sharon eats pizza. I’m sure you can guess the response. No to pizza.
My social worker & Sharon’s social worker are going to call when they’re close to my flat. Could be before I finish work & I’ll have to make my excuses and scoot home. Carol wants me to meet her somewhere in London (she hasn’t replied to say where!) to pick Sharon up because she then has to drop her other foster daughter off somewhere.
Take 2: Carol calls to say she can’t drive to where I live so could I come meet her a few miles away and take Sharon for an hour or two near there? I said that’s fine so long as I can postpone / cancel the social workers coming over tonight that was going to coincide. My social worker Karen said a definitive no. We are NOT yet at the stage where she should be left alone with me. We CAN’T cancel the social worker meeting tonight. I’ve asked Karen to call Carol and for them to let me know what the flip-de-dip is happening!
Take 3: Karen calls to say we will ALL meet at my flat tonight.
Take 4: Carol calls to say her & Sharon won’t come tonight. Can they come tomorrow instead?
Take 5: I die of a deadly strain of Logisticitis.
If you read all that you deserve a lie-down and a KitKat. I didn’t even really understand it and it’s my life. And I wrote it.
Takes some perseverance to even begin as a fostermumma… hats off. x