Days Off

Each month house parents get four consecutive days off. At this point our placed kids go to another home on campus to change up their schedule and enjoy getting to know others on campus. For the house parents this is a time to relax; kick back with little to no responsibilities and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. The days leading up to our first “days off” while having kids in our home was filled with weariness, yearning for a little time to nap and just enjoy some quiet time. When the day came we took them to their home away from home and did a little skip back as I realized the freedom I now had. And then it happened. Not an hour into my joyous “days off” I began thinking, “I wonder how they are doing in school? Did he remember to turn his homework in? I hope he remembers his assignment notebook. Oh no, she left her jeans on the drier; someone’s clothes are going to be stinky. Well look, there is a football jersey still hanging up, looks like we will be getting a phone call on Friday. She would be so jealous if she knew we were having cheeseburgers without her!” I could go on and on and on. Needless to say, I thought about our kids all the time and missed them like crazy. They have completely made their way into my heart. Through the good, the bad, and the ugly I have found them to be true sons and daughters of my heart. At the end of the time away I was overjoyed to hear one rush through the door saying, “DAD! YEAH! It feels so good to be home.” And another saying, “Oh look, MY BED! WAHOO!!” Rest is good for everyone's soul. (Melissa)