The Safari Continues

 The Council of the Animals met at the watering hole this week. They met to discuss our little Leo the Lion Cub. I decided to join them since, I still have not met his CPS worker, who will be referred to as the "Chacma Baboon". Chacma Baboons are known for tactical deception, how fitting. The judge will be known as the elephant, for being the leader and the oldest (he is pretty old!). The Ad Litem will be known as the Hippo. Hippos are known for creating livable habitats, shaping wet lands, finding water, and being a hard worker. 

While gazing upon this meeting at the watering hole, the Baboon looked old and tired. She never once stated that she has not met the family that cares for the little lion cub, just that she is in great communication with them. There the deception started. They spoke about how the mother is working the services provided and how she provide items for the lion cub. The Hippo inquired about visits and the Baboon stated that there was no desired change to visits for now. This seemed odd, since everything else seems to be going so well. Then it was revealed that the habitat for which the mother resides is not yet fitting for the little cub. 

The habitat discussion brought up that the maternal Grandmother is now going to be looked at as a placement option for the cub. The Elephant inquired why she was not chosen from the beginning. The Baboon responded that she had previously had a cousin of the lion cub and the cousin had been removed due to "supervision" issues. There was also a concern that her habitat was too close to that of the Mother. The Elephant pondered for a moment and then said that we owe it to Leo the Lion to check out each family member since family reunification is the goal. The Elephant tasked the Hippo with this request. 

The Elephant did acknowledge the family that had been taking care of little Leo the Lion Cub and asked if anything was needed for him. The Baboon quickly cut in and said, "No. The family is not in need of anything. Leo is very well taken care of." I wondered how she knew the answer to the question, when she has yet to check in on the family. The Baboon has very little communication with the family. Most of the communication between the family and the Baboon is: "Confirmed visit." or "Why is he fussy at his visit?" (Those are my favorite.) Nothing of real significance. 

Abruptly, the meeting was all over. They set a time for the next migration to the meeting hole and then everyone left. Feeling that I had missed something, I asked the Hippo to contact me. There was apparently nothing missed and nothing of true value stated at the watering hole. Therefore, our little lion cub will stay with us at least until February. 

He is beginning to explore and interact with others. He smiles, coos, and giggles. His sister is absolutely obsessed with him, always stopping to say, "Hi Bubba!" and give him kisses. We recently received a piano and she can just reach the keys. If the keys are uncovered, she will play him a special little tune and then run to see his face for approval, he will usually smile. This morning she was getting her hair done and they were both sitting in chairs watching Bear and the Big Blue House. She held his chair the whole time, because she couldn't reach his hand. He is so loved and thriving! He loves being outside and watching others! Our little Lion Cub is now in 3-6 month clothes at just under 3 months old! 

We have enjoyed his little safari so far. We continue to pray that people use wisdom when making decisions for him.