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Molly needs care a loving family offers
Young girl with disabilities needs family
Date published: 5/19/2009 By Flowers Umble BY AMY FLOWERS UMBLE Sometimes, when Molly doesn't want to sleep, her foster mother rocks her and sings a lullaby she has created: a medley of "You Are So Beautiful" and "You Are My Sunshine." In the darkened, peaceful bedroom, Tauwana Greene's soft, lyrical voice soothes Molly to sleep: And Molly, a 5-year-old girl who loves SpongeBob SquarePants, iCarly and going to the beach, has brought joy and happiness to the family, Greene said. But she's also brought a lot of work. Molly can't talk, walk or crawl. She is severely disabled. She uses special equipment to take a bath, to sit up, to swing. Her foster parents mix a special formula of oatmeal, baby food and PediaSure to feed her. Molly requires repeated doctors' visits. And Greene herself battles a few health conditions. "I don't know where I'll be in five years," she said, playing with Molly in her Richmond living room. "And it's not fair to Molly " Greene's heard that older foster children are harder to place in adoptive homes. She knows Molly faces better odds of finding a family if she's adopted now. "She is such a cutie-pie and so adorable; it would be unfair to keep her and then realize that I can't care for her the way she needs," Greene said. "We know that this is Molly's best chance." The young girl might not talk, but she knows how to get her point across. When she's unhappy, Molly's lower lip sticks out in a small pout and she lets out a quiet cry. But more often, Molly's face lights up with a grin and she giggles. She laughs when Patrick comes on during SpongeBob; when Greene sings "Itsy Bitsy Spider," when she rolls across the floor to a toy. Wearing a hot-pink bib embroidered with the words "Spoil Me," Molly seems content to greet visitors, but not overly interested in new people. At first, Greene said, Molly's new parents will put in a lot of effort and not see the rewards. But after a little while, Molly will probably begin to recognize her new mom and dad. She will smile across the room, or wave one skinny arm. And suddenly all the work will be worth it, Greene said. Amy Flowers Umble: 540/735-1973
Date published: 5/19/2009
THANK YOU!
(posted by
riley6
, May 19, 2009 1:48 pm)
Thank you Amy for your series! I pray that Molly finds her forever family. Bucks, you sound VERY compassionate. Have you considered fostering or adopting? There are SO many kids in foster care who will never be adopted, b/c there isn't anyone who will take a chance on them. I can vouch for them that they are worth the challenges!
???
(posted by
riley6
, May 19, 2009 1:46 pm)
It would be great if the foster parents could adopt her, but there are some foster parents who are reaching an age where they'd like to retire and be finished with parenting. Molly, as adorable as she is, will require a lifelong committment. Perhaps someone in their 60's isn't prepared to make that committment. Maybe the fmom is in poor health herself and her future is uncertain. If she has no one to take Molly after her health fails, Molly owuld end up in the system again, older and "un"adoptable.
Molly
(posted by
bucks
, May 19, 2009 9:07 am)
Wait a minute. I don't understand wny these foster parents can't keep Molly. Isn't there a way? It doesn't seem fair to take her out of this home and pass her around to another and maybe another. There has got to be some social services that could help this foster family keep Molly. Maybe some volunteeer aides, home care, etc. I know there are other families in this area who receive such help without having out of pocket expenses. No one knows where they will be in five years, Only God.
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