Completely Unreliable Second-hand Gossip

So last night, at the visit, I talked with Tarazina (the foster mother for Monee and Ayanna, Mara's four and seven-year-old sisters) and she said that she was asked at the Administrative Review if she thinks Monee and Ayanna should be separated if they are moved again and/or for adoption. She was also asked if she would be willing to keep them both or which one until they transition to a permanent placement. Yet another clue that TPR (termination of parental rights) is most likely going to happen in March!

She also told me a few other things which I cannot post here due to confidentiality, even though my blog is now limited to a dozen family members and very close friends.

Thus, my question-- and when I pose questions here, I really am asking for YOUR advice, insight, opinions, and suggestions: if the Denver County Case Worker asked us to take four-year-old Monee (and a part of me is miffed that I have not been kept in the loop), do you think we ought to consider it? She has A LOT of "behaviors" and issues that will require ongoing therapy and she takes medication; but she is Mara's full sister, the only one with whom she shares the same biological mother and father.

Does it even matter that they have the same parents? Biology does seem to be destiny, but I know now that common alleles alone do not make a family. And Mara does exhibit a marked increase in "negative" behaviors after the visits-- in fact, she is pinching Seamus right now-- so I guess that is a little answer all its own.

I don't know mow much Nurture can overcome Nature. I'm currently in a state of doubting if it really does or if we just attribute far too much to Nurture (or lack thereof). I recently read an article in Newsweek about a gene that may explain why some children are more resilient than others and can overcome poor parenting. The children who do not have the gene are more sensitive and tend to adopt the attitudes and behaviors of their parents (Liam) as a way of securing their bond. The children with more oil on their backs tend to listen less and be more obstinate (Seamus). And then there are the kids who are sensitive but somehow thrive despite abuse (Mara).

I just hope they do not identify the gene to the point where parents get their kids tested to see if it is okay if they suck as parents. All we need is a license to neglect. As it is, DVD players, TVs and PlayStations, Xboxes and Wii's are raising far too many of our precious youth.

But I digress...and it's what I do best.