Soul Siblings

Almost exactly 5 years ago, Ryan and I decided to step into foster care. It was the right time. We were on the same page. Our ducks were in a row. All the things.

Looking back I can see that we thought we had some control of the situation. Looking back it is now evident that we did not. God is so big. He saw the need. On both sides. He saw Cheyenne, Collin and Alexa’s need for us. But also, He saw our need for them.

Caleb and Alexa. I’m not sure how they survived without each other. Seriously. I’m not sure that I have ever seen, or even heard about, a love so pure.

Caleb has made so much progress in the last 5 years. That, in large part, is due to Alexa. She innately knew how to get right down to his level. She started there and continues to challenge him in ways that only she can. She sets goals, implements rewards, encourages and then does it all again. Day by day. She knows which medicines to give him and when. She knows how to prepare and process his food. She knows to set timers and for how long. She knows when he is sad or scared or excited or tired. She always knows exactly what to do. She knows what he is saying even when no one else does. She always wants to include him and teaches others to do the same. And, the icing on the cake, is that she loves doing all of it.

You might wonder what she gets in return. Well, nothing really. Unless you count one 18 1/2 year old boy’s complete and total adoration. And she does.