Thanks for everything

I know I should expect zero gratitude from birth parents.  It makes complete sense.  I shouldn't hope for reunification because it will make me feel good that I did a good job as a foster parent/mentor.  I should hope for reunification because it keeps families together.

I haven't even had it rough.  The worst I've had in our cases is some persistent advice that I can't take, being ignored, or being talked about behind my back.  I wouldn't blame a birth parent that yelled at me, but it hasn't happened yet.

And yet, when I read a text that says, "Thanks for everything," it stops me in my tracks.  My heart skips a beat.  My love language is words, words, words.

I know I can't do this completely right.  But it gives me hope that some of the love I'm trying to show is peeking through.