Still Searching?

I had an email yesterday from our area adoption agency asking if we were still "searching" for another child to adopt because they had a 9 year old boy that needed a home. I don't think there is anyone who would feel like our life is "stable" enough yet to invite yet another "damaged" child into our home with the hopes of loving him enough that he might be able to heal... but for some reason that didn't stop me from at least considering the idea... After all, we do currently have two empty bedrooms..  I think I really do have some kind of Savior Complex. I just can't stand the idea of children out there in need if I have time, energy and space to help... but fortunately, the logical part of my brain kicked in in time and I was able to share with this worker my concerns that our family just might have too much on its plate emotionally right now with Cheyanne's current MH crisis, Lynn's ongoing challenges,  Donald's mission return scheduled for this summer, our 'failed' attempt at the adoption of our Texas boy (who is still looking for an adoptive home...) and now new baby Enoch and the joys and challenges of new grandparenthood. So, I guess we have dodged that life changing event for now.. but why can't I get the thought out of my head?

Medical Crisis vs. Mental Health Crisis

We have a family in our church community struggling with the crisis of a child with a brain tumor. It is a horrible hand to have to play - scary, exhausting, all-encompassing. As we try to love and support our friends through this challenge, it occured to me just how much more "acceptable"  it is in our society to rally around individuals experiencing a  medical issue as compared to a mental health issue. It is easy to create Facebook support pages, send treats and gifts of love and healing and caring to the Boston Childrens Hospital. Everyone understands and everyone wants to help. Nobody knows how to respond to our family (and others like us) who are working hard to support a child with a serious mental health issue. Sending flowers and treats to the Brattleboro Retreat or Devereux is just not something that is done. Visiting is often impossible or at least very challenging because nobody knows just what state of mind the patient is going to be in when the visit day arrives. Other church families are tentative about allowing their children to contact our teen because they don't want them exposed to suicidal ideation and cutting. It is so much more isolating.. and really, sadly, still a source of discrimination in 21st Century America. I wouldn't change anything about the level of support we are able to offer our friend's child during her medical crisis. If honest though, I do have to admit that I wish there was a similar level of support and positive energy that could be generated for our struggling child.