From the Lips of a Child..

Today Xavier and I spent part of the day at a Foster Parent Appreciation Lunch. Jordan was supposed to come, but has watch this weekend. I was not going to go, because I didnt know anyone there, and I just didnt feel like going... but I made myself go, because I knew that in the end, I would be thankful I went, and I was. It really was alot of fun, and I think that it was really good to go, and meet other foster parents. Meet people going through the same things you go through, weather it be good or bad. They also had a program for the kids, but Xavier was still a little too young to participate. They had "Tigerman" there, and he spoke to the kids about how bullying was bad, and how to relieve anger. He had them rapping songs and clapping. Then he asked some of the kids what they wanted to be when they grew up. An 8 year old boy said " I want to work for my Dad when I grow up", a 5 year old girl said, " I want to be a doctor when I grow up and help people get better", and then a four year old little girl said, " When I grow up I want to help kids find homes..." Man, that just hit me and I wanted to cry... These kids have all been through so much in their lives, they usually all come from a place of neglect, and no love. Yet when these kids are put in a home where they know what it means to be truly loved, and given a new chance to shine in the world, their thoughts dont turn to themselves, their thoughts turn to others, and making a difference in their lives...We could learn so much from these kids. Another reason I was really glad I went was because they had a couple of speakers. One of them was a 10 year foster mom, and had 34 kids that had gone through her home already. She said she doesnt refer to them as foster kids and doesnt introduce them as foster kids, but as her kids. They call her mom mom and her husband Pop. It was really encouraging to listen to her speak about her experiences. I also met a few other foster parents today too. One of the ladies I met has a 2 year old boy that she got when he was 4 days old, and she will be adopting him on Monday. She was so excited that the whole process would be over finally by then and that she would be able to hold onto the certainty of know that he will forever be hers, and she will be his. I am very excited for her and her husband,and I was so happy that I went.