We can agree that apples and oranges are fruit, but that is where their similarities stop. One can be sweet and makes some amazing pie and the other sour, which if you like that can be just as good. I guess that is why people use the slogan "It's like comparing apples to oranges.". Well my two on-going caseworkers at CPS are like comparing apples to oranges. One is amazing, I would even call her my friend. I imagine we will remain friends long after our time as caseworker and foster parents ends. (She has said in the past she can't wait so we can meet for play dates, send Christmas cards, etc) She knows her job and does it well, not for the money, which is really a joke, but because she cares for children and their well being. She often works more than her "40 hrs" to get the job done and done well. She is an answer to prayer because CPS is full of issues...she is a bright light in a dark room. And then there is my other caseworker. She and I have had our "issues". Unfortunately for me she has made some assumptions about me and I have not been able to break those ideas in her head. I can honestly say that she does her job...period. She doesn't give it an extra ounce of her time, nor does she even give much thought to the struggles we have had/been having with Nathan. I call or email her and it takes a week or more to get back to me. She goes to work, works her 40 hrs, leaves and doesn't think twice about the impact her decisions as the casework have on the children charged in her care. That may sound a bit harsh, even judgmental, because truly I don't know her heart, but her actions speak louder than anything her heart says. I describe her as an EGR, that is "Extra Grace Required. I am polite, respectful and contact her only when I need to. I would be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to the day Nathan's file is officially assigned to the adoptions caseworker. She has not made this past 2 yrs very easy. But you know what, that is ok. I have endured, I will continue to endure, and this is just a season. I have no idea her personal story and how much that impacts her work.
Through this whole journey I am thankful for both kinds of caseworker though. I adore my one caseworker. I look forward to the future friendship we will have. I am excited that she is coming to Ayana's adoption hearing to join us in the celebration. I am thankful for my other casework. She is teaching me how to have patience with things I cannot control. CPS is full of caseworkers...both good, mediocre, bad and ugly...but I believe God has placed each of these individuals in their job to save children...to be their voice. I am thankful there are people willing to do this type of job, with all the stress and discomfort it causes them, because of the children.
They may be apples and oranges but both are fruit and we all need a little variety in the fruit bowl.
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