up standing

Baby’s mama didn’t know she was prego when she went into hospital with a tummy ache. Baby was saved by the tummy ache. She had a several-page-memo of problems when she was finally able to survive outside of ICU. Birth mom was still stoned on three substances. But baby had - unbeknownst to herself - saved her two siblings. These had fallen between the cracks, were unregistered, slept on the ground, ate only occasionally when the stupor ceased enough for the adults to remember to feed them. And then they ate with their hands, sitting on the ground. The placement in foster care for these children was unique.

The birth parents were given the red carpet to come clean, get help, receive services, and get the kids back. Visits were arranged. They didn’t show. Appointments were made. They never came. Calls went unanswered. But the children began to eat. And talk. And learn what playgrounds are. And vehicles, And consistency.

Baby walks now. She is upstanding. She has a sparkle in her eye and a personality double her size. She has lived through more hospital and doctor and therapy appointments than many 80 year olds, but she has get-up-and-go. The birth parents disappeared. But the Esme Home didn’t. And Baby is now adopted, safe, and thriving. So are the other kids. They are the reason we exist.