“Sometimes, stepping back can help us move forward. That’s why I want to create a life book with you,” I said to 15-year-old Jamie.

Jamie sighed. She’d been in the foster care system for six years, didn’t have a life book yet, and didn’t really want one. In fact, she didn’t really want an adoptive family, either, if we’re being honest – so I had my work cut out for me.

“I’m going to go collect my parts.”

My wife taught me this phrase. We tend to offer it up whenever we’re feeling like our emotional bits and pieces have been strewn about – when we’re scattered or flustered, and just need a moment to gather ourselves.

Just got an unexpected medical diagnosis? Roof leaking? Or maybe ten little things have been irritating you today?

Sounds to me like you might need to go collect your parts.

When I think of the analytical sign of Virgo, what often comes to mind is the word discernment. And I’m reminded of a story, told to me by two teen siblings I once knew. It's an appropriate tale for the Full Moon, taking place at 27 degrees Virgo on Friday, March 18, 2022 (2:17am CT).

In my work finding adoptive families for teens in foster care*, I worked with many sibling groups over the years, and heard many stories. But this one has really stuck with me.