by Cathy Glass
He stood aside to let Paula say goodbye. ‘I’ll miss you both lots and lots,’ she said, and hugged and kissed them in turn.
Lucy’s eyes glistened with tears as she said goodbye, for she knew better than the rest of us what it was like to be returned home. It had happened to her many times before she’d come to live with us. ‘Your mummy and daddy are very lucky to have you back,’ she told them as she cuddled and kissed them. ‘Remember, if you have any problems, tell your social worker.’ Which is what she’d been told to do.
All that remained now was to get the children into the car. Kit wanted to ride on Adrian’s shoulders. Since his father had been giving him rides like this, he often wanted Adrian to do it too. Adrian lifted him onto his shoulders, while Lucy and Paula held Molly’s hands, and we went down the path to my car. Adrian, Lucy and Paula gave them a final hug and then helped them into the back seat, where Lucy gave them another kiss and hug. I could see Molly’s face start to pucker and Kit was looking worried. ‘Time to go,’ I said positively, and closed their car door.
My family stood on the pavement and waved until we were out of sight.
‘Can we see you all again?’ Molly asked.
‘I certainly hope so,’ I said brightly.
The children were quiet. Parting from my family had been difficult for them, but now they needed to look forward to their future with their parents. ‘Soon be home,’ I told them.
As I pulled up outside their home the front door flew open and Aneta and Filip, full of smiles, rushed out. Filip opened the car door and lifted out the children. Aneta smothered them in hugs and kisses. She took them indoors, while Filip and I unloaded the car. There wasn’t a huge amount, as I’d brought most of it on the previous trips.
‘I think that’s everything,’ I said. Filip took the last bag from me and placed it in the hall. ‘If I find anything, I’ll drop it off.’
‘Thank you,’ he said coolly.
I was now expecting him to invite me in or call the children to the door so we could say goodbye. Adrian, Lucy and Paula had said their goodbyes at home, but I hadn’t, assuming I’d do it here. I looked past him and down the hall. I could hear Molly’s and Kit’s voices coming from inside, but I couldn’t see them. ‘Can I say goodbye to the children?’ I asked him.
Filip glanced over his shoulder and then looked at me. ‘They’re busy,’ he said. ‘I’ll tell them you said goodbye. Thanks for bringing them.’ And with that, he closed the door.
It was the most heartless goodbye I’d ever experienced in fostering, and as I returned to the car my eyes filled. Filip and Aneta wouldn’t have lost anything by allowing me to say goodbye properly to Molly and Kit. It would have meant a lot to me and probably to the children too. I wouldn’t tell my family, as they would be upset and angry on my behalf. I knew then that Filip and Aneta wouldn’t be keeping in touch, so it was unlikely we’d ever see Molly and Kit again. I hoped the children had some fond memories of the time they’d spent with us and knew we’d loved them.
Afterword
Once a child has left a foster carer, there is no provision to keep the carer informed of their progress. Sometimes we hear updates by word of mouth from another foster carer or social worker, and sometimes the family or the child themselves (if they are old enough) keeps in touch. It’s always wonderful when they do, and as a foster carer I never forget the children I’ve looked after, ever. Sometimes years go by without any news and then suddenly the child makes contact. Only time would tell if that would be true for Molly and Kit.
For the latest on Molly and Kit and the other children in my books, please visit www.cathyglass.co.uk
Suggested topics for reading-group discussion
Near the start of the book Cathy says that no one wants to take children from their parents, but sometimes there is no alternative if they are to be kept safe. Discuss.
We learn that sometimes children can be placed in care voluntarily. In what circumstances do you think that might be possible? Why is it generally considered preferable to a court order?
Molly and Kit had only recently come to the attention of the social services. Should they have done so sooner?
Fostering involves the whole family. Discuss the roles of family members, including Cathy’s mother.
How do you see the role of the Guardian ad Litem in child-protection cases?
Describe the characters of Aneta and Filip. Cathy initially has empathy for them. Is it misplaced?
Cathy is upset and angry when she finds out what Aneta has been doing but manages to remain professional. How difficult might this have been?
Discuss the nature of FDIA (Munchausen syndrome by proxy) and what could lead to a person developing the illness.
Aneta makes allegations against Cathy. How vulnerable are foster carers to unfounded allegations by angry parents?
The judge returns Molly and Kit home with a supervision order. Do you think it was the correct decision? Why?
Praise for Cathy Glass
‘Poignant and revealing … real-life stories such as these have helped to move and inspire a generation’
Sunday Mirror
‘A true tale of hope’
OK! Magazine
‘Heartbreaking’
Mirror
‘A life-affirming read … that proves sometimes a little hope is all you need’
Heat Magazine
‘A hugely touching and emotional true tale’
Star Magazine
‘Foster carers rarely get the praise they deserve, but Cathy Glass’s book should change all that’
First Magazine
‘Cannot fail to move those who read it’
Adoption-net
‘Once again, Cathy Glass has blown me away with a poignant story’
The Writing Garnet, book blogger
‘Brilliant book. I’d expect nothing less from Cathy … I cried, of course’
Goodreads review
‘… gripping page-turner from start to finish … emotive and heart-wrenching …’
Kate Hall, book blogger
‘… another great read … no complex narrative, just pure storytelling …’
5* Kindle review
‘Filled with compassion and love’
Victoria Goldman, Lovereading
‘Never disappoints and brings a tear to my eye’
Hannah, book blogger
‘Simply yet eloquently told … Cathy’s years of fostering experience shine a beam of light across the pages’
Liz Robinson, Lovereading
‘Amazing writing from an incredible lady’
5* Amazon review
‘Wonderfully written book’
5* Kindle review
‘A captivating insight into the life of a foster carer’
Victoria Goldman, Lovereading
‘I have read all Cathy Glass’s books and none disappoint’
5* Amazon review
‘Great job, Cathy Glass. Keep doing what you do and I’ll keep reading’
Goodreads review
About the Publisher
Australia
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United Kingdom
HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.
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United States
HarperCollins Publishers Inc.
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http://www.harpercollins.com