Oh Won't You Stay...

I thought for a few weeks now that this would be my last week as a foster mother to Braylon. The case worker had let us know several weeks ago that the plan was to hopefully get Braylon placed back with his parents on March 16th. The case worker had taken my suggestion of not prolonging this whole thing for Braylon's benefit. He just has such a hard time coming back to our house and doesn't understand why he can't stay with his parents.
Wednesday March 6th at 2:00 pm was the court date to determine if the 16th really would be the reunification date. Knowing that the judge usually follows the recommendations of the case worker I pretty much had Braylon packed and ready to go. Just before 2 o'clock that Wednesday I had a feeling that I should pray for the the judge and everything to go well at court. I asked Braylon who was sitting next to me if we should pray for his mom and dad and the judge at court so that everything goes well and he said no. I half heartily said a simple prayer in my mind and went back to doing what I was doing.
At 3:05 pm I received a call from Mandy, Braylon's mom, in tears. She could hardly talk she was so upset. She told me that the GAL (Guardian Ad Litem) had felt like the reunification was moving too fast and wanted a few more things before that happened. We have to get a Developmental Assessment done for Braylon and GAL wanted to verify some questionnaire the parents had taken a few months ago.
I'm not going to lie. Both Kurt and I were pretty bummed. This long goodbye was getting a whole lot longer. Sadly we had already started making plans for Asher to take over his room. We'd already moved toys and clothes to Braylon's parent's home with the last few visits.
I felt bad for Braylon. He was expecting his first overnight visit and was now stuck with us for another month.
I pulled him aside and told him that he wouldn't get to spend the night at his parents house. I told him he would have to stay with us a little bit longer. He looked at me and asked "Are my parents being bad?" Oh sad. I quickly told him no and let him know his parents are doing so good. They really are trying hard to get him back. I tried to explain though I didn't understand myself, that the judge felt like she needed more time and just wanted to make sure his parents were really ready.  He took it. He didn't cry, didn't ask any more questions, didn't really show much emotion but some how I knew he was disappointed.
Next court date April 4th I think. Praying this time the judge will say YES!