“Don’t get too attached.”

They warned me.

And I ignored them.

And I got attached anyway.

And yes — it hurt.

But you know what would’ve hurt more?

Keeping my heart guarded.

Withholding love.

Treating a child like a project instead of a person.

Attachment is painful.

But detachment is devastating.

Because these kids aren’t looking for temporary care.

They’re looking for someone who sees them.

Chooses them.

Feels with them.

Yes — I’ll cry when they leave.

But that grief is holy.

Because it means I loved well.

And that’s the whole point.