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Showing posts from July, 2014

Being a foster parent is a thankless job. I want to change that.

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The Kid driving around her foster family's backyard. Foster parents play a critical role in reuniting families, and in some cases, help fledgling families find their footing . Sometimes they take newborns home from the hospital, other times a social worker brings bewildered kids to them late at night to provide safe shelter. But in all cases, foster parents have their lives scrutinized and thrown into chaos to help children. They aren't in it for the glorious financial rewards, in Michigan the clothing allowance for foster children hasn't changed in over 20 years. They aren't in it for the accolades, few foster parents see themselves as hero's worthy of recognition. They aren't in it for the personal affirmations, often the birth parents blame them for their shaky custody situation. Why do foster parents do what they do? They know how much children need a place to feel free from harm. They want to see families reunited when possible and help launch succe

This little foot...

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This little foot was made for accomplishing. Editors note: I am not a poet.  Two years ago, this little foot existed but I did not know the child attached to it. Two years ago, this little foot was about to turn my life upside down. Two years ago, I was hoping to become a Papa to a kid with a little foot just like this one. Two years ago, I had no clue how much paperwork it would take to adopt the child who owns this little foot. Two years ago, the child who owns this foot came crawling into our lives. Two years ago, the child attached to this little foot crawled into my heart . Two years later, this little foot has caused me to cry more than I thought possible. Two years later, this little foot has dropped me to my knees a few times with an unfortunately accurate kicking motion. Two years later, I chase the child attached to this little foot often because she is quick. Two years later, I carry the child attached to this little foot whenever she is tired, scare