Over the past 18 months, I have had the privilege of working with a client whose story is a testament to resilience, growth, and the transformative power of perseverance. This journey has been anything but easy. When CFS became involved 5 years ago my client faced tremendous challenges and emotional strain. The experience has been deeply traumatic for her, she not only faced the heartbreak of losing her children but also ongoing strain and pressure to meet agency requirements while navigating her own personal barriers. Despite these difficulties, her commitment to her children and their future has been unwavering.
When we first began working together, the road ahead seemed daunting. She faced numerous challenges, including personal barriers, limitations, and deeply engrained behaviors that often made it difficult for her to see different perspectives and keep her temper in check. Yet, beneath it all was a mother determined to do whatever it took to be reunited with her children.
Through consistent support and hard conversations, she has grown in remarkable ways. One of the most significant turning points came recently when, after much reflection and self-awareness, she made the difficult decision to transfer the guardianship of her youngest child to her mother. While this was not an easy choice, it demonstrated her ability to put her child’s best interests first and allowed her to focus on reuniting with her oldest children.
This decision also marks the end of CFS involvement in this family’s life-a huge achievement in itself. Her recognition of her limitations and her willingness to make choices that prioritize her children’s well-being signal a new level of maturity. Where once there was no room for reasoning during moments of escalation, she is now showing a growing ability to pause, reflect, and regain control of her emotions.
The road ahead still requires hard work and personal growth. The next goal is to support her as we approach court proceedings to reunite her with her older children. With continued guidance, I am confident she will continue to build on her progress.
This small celebration is not just about reaching this milestone but about acknowledging the tremendous strides this family has made.
Today brought a truly special moment when she gave me a heartfelt thank you for sticking by her through all the ups and downs. Her gratitude was deeply moving, and it reminded me why I continue to do this work. She never gave up on herself, even in her most difficult moments, and because of that I was determined to never give up on her.
This small celebration is not just about reaching this milestone but about acknowledging the tremendous strides this family has made.
