To my faithful readers,
Thanks for listening these past several years as I have processed my adoptive parenting experiences. Our family appreciates your support.
In a few short weeks I will begin my law studies. The transition is a big one for everyone in our family. We anticipate it being a demanding season, and as such, I will pause my blog indefinitely. Rest assured, I will not lack for writing opportunities – law is heavily weighted in written communication and will demand much from me in this regard.
If I am honest, the anticipation of this transition has been somewhat of a grieving process for me; subtle – but in some ways challenging, and beautiful in its own right. For everything there is a season, and this stay-at-home mother season is closing for me. Though only seven years since taking in our foster/adoptive children, it feels like many, many more. Living in the trauma of others has a way of slowing down time. Nevertheless, despite the difficulties and long days, I will miss this season. Our lives are full of fun and connection and humor, even in the midst of navigating difficult emotions and experiences. I count it a tremendous blessing for our family to have the financial stability in which one income is sufficient, thus allowing me the option to stay at home, go to school, or work if I choose to do so.
My pursuit of law is tied to my foster experiences and passion to mitigate trauma for children in whatever way possible. I am taking everything my children and their foster/adoptive friends have walked through with me into the court system. I understand well the perspective of the child, which is a valuable viewpoint needed in our Pennsylvania dependency courts. Dependency cases are complex and frequently riddled with difficult emotional situations, poverty, and addiction and/or mental health issues. A delicate balance between the well-being of the child and the state’s intervention is a challenging one to strike. This is the complex world I belong in, and I look forward to advocating and navigating legally for these children, their birth families, and their foster families.
My law and bar studies will take the next four years or so, and after a successful state bar exam, I can officially begin practicing here in Pennsylvania. It has taken a lot of work to get to this point, and much more will be required to fulfill this dream. I cannot overemphasize the importance of my husband’s support. I could not do this without a supportive partner, and his continued commitment to my endeavors speaks volumes to me.
Thank you for reading.
Cathy Ginder, adoptive mother and soon-to-be legal advocate.
For E, M, A, T, F, I, W, N, K, M, B, Z, O, Z, A, C, A, K, J, J, M, E and the many other kids in our lives who have walked through the dependency system. This is for you and future families in your situation. I carry your stories in my heart.
The above photo of me was taken during a family trip this summer. While in Glacier National Park, I felt like I finally accepted the upcoming law season that awaits me. Onward.