Beware....***Venting***

I've been absent from blogging,
Not because of a lack of events
Or lack of things floating around in my head
(Heavens no, that is never a problem)
But just a lack of time
A lack of energy
And
Well,
The inability to fully sit at my computer
Due to piles.

However,
I am back
And back with a vent.
A big vent.
Hold on to your hats.

This was the email I received from the CFT Clinical Supervisor today after I told her that I could not attend a meeting at 2:00 on a Wednesday afternoon that was randomly sent to me via another email this morning.

"Hi MaryAnn, we understand your work schedule and work with you around it all the time. But we need to move on and get this children some services as soon as possible and at times we need you to be a little more flexible (as a foster mom and with children in services it is very important.) If its ok with ______ (CPS case manager) and she would like to change it (as she is the Legal Guardian) we can do on your spring break time, I have open 3/XX/13 at X:XXpm at the X office.  MaryAnn you can participate by phone if you can't make it in."

HOLY COW! Are you kidding me????
I wrote an email draft.
I put it aside.
Then I picked it back up tonight.
This is what I sent.
(My agency caseworker probably isn't going to love me - but seriously...enough is enough.)

Hello, XXXXXX.
I know that these services are extremely important and I have been pushing for the Miss M to receive them since our first CFT on August 13th.  I have faithfully attended every CFT meeting scheduled and have been as flexible as I possibly can by leaving work as much as an hour to an hour an a half early at least on five different occasions plus attending foster care review and attending court hearings.  I think my patience and flexibility over the past seven months speaks for itself in my continual push for these services despite months of waiting and plans being changed not because of me but because of wait lists, transportation issues between CPS and YETC, and now the outsourcing of the services.
As I mentioned, X:XX pm on the Xthis impossible for me to attend via phone or in person.  I could met by phone after X:XX on the Xth if it would work to push back the meeting 1 hour.  I also could meet at the secondary proposed time at X:XX pm on March XXth at the CPS office.  I will continually make it my priority to provide the best care and help for both Ms. O and Miss M as I feel they deserve every opportunity in the world and am anxious to see them receive these services they have needed since being placed in care almost 10 months ago.

This was then the follow up email I sent to my agency worker so she knew that I knew that I was being blunt and defensive.

I probably should have run my XXXr response through you - but I was very offended by X's insinuation that I am somehow dragging my feet and not being cooperative or flexible with my scheduling to meet for yet another CFT for yet another meeting to sit down and discuss getting services started and switched for the girls.  Between her lack of knowledge of services (supposedly they didn't have any one in the east valley to service the girls, but now they do; not knowing that the girls could not be dropped off my taxi due to XXX agency's policy; getting the notes mixed up about the girls on the sheets each time, etc.) and the _______'s lack of completing any tasks in a timely manner, I am offended that it would be put on my shoulders for the lack of their services not getting started.  I will gladly take on any flack that might come my way....but since I also received a voice mail message from her with the same tone and I decided to pen an email with my response.  I have been asking since the middle of January for the service information, they cancelled the CFT in the beginning of Feb, and then today was the first day a time was sent out my way.

Granted -
This woman didn't know that we just moved
To a house
Last weekend
And that we then spent the
Entire
Next week
SICK
With three out of three of us having strep.
And that today
Was my first day back to work
When the past 5 out of 6 work days
I was either moving or
Curled up on the couch trying to swallow
And I was buried in work and trying to play catch up.

But...
Who cares if she did
Or didn't know that.

It's not okay.
And I'm not going to pretend that it is.

So there.

***Vent done.***

Praise Reports!
My parents are in town and enjoying their new winter home with us!  It SO nice to have all the storage space, spreading out space, and a cul-de-sac and back yard for the girls to run, ride bikes, and be kids!!!

Prayer Requests -
The girls have finally started up bi-weekly visits with their mom and brother as of a week and a half ago.  Their mom has found an apartment which is a huge step in their being reunited.  Please give everyone wisdom, patience, and guidance as we move into some changing times ahead.