I'm a Police Officer. I often spent my time dealing with the lowest of society which tends to make one lose faith in mankind to a degree. To add to it, all we hear about is the negative aspects of society, race issues, we're all doomed, etc....
I was working an OT job today at a local church. As I walked down a hallway, I met a family who was comprised of two white parents, probably mid thirties, and three of their children. The kids were black and mixed race. The oldest was 12 and appeared to have some sort of handicap. The oldest was I believe autistic to some level. As soon as they saw me, the kids instantly wanted to chat. I was blown away by these people. The 12 year old boy was awesome. We talked about his favorite video games, what he liked to do, etc... He was apparently high functioning as he was a very talkative, intelligent young boy. His sister was probably 10. She was a beautiful child, very soft spoken, clinging to her mother as she told me she loves to read and write stories. She was the type of child that melts your heart. The youngest child was probably 6 and was reserved but did engage when I tried to talk to him. After chatting, the mom told the kids to follow dad to wherever they were going. I got a chance to talk to mom for a few minutes. She told me that she and her husband had adopted 5 children through the foster system. I mentioned how busy I imagined their household to be. She confirmed my suspicion! Mom mentioned that they would like to adopt some teenagers when the younger kids are grown and leave the home. She then mentioned the oldest child's(12yr olds) disability and made the comment that he would probably be with them for life.
After chatting with these people, I literally wanted to cry. I didn't tell the mom how much I admired people like them, even though I should have. This brief encounter really slapped me in the face and made me realize how kind and loving human beings can be. These people took 5 children that no one wanted and have become their mom and dad, obviously providing them with an abundant amount of love and the family unit that all children desire. In my opinion, people like this are truly saints. People like this are rare in today's world. I find myself far too often focused on material things, how much money I can make, what's in it for me.... I lose sight of what life is about sometimes, truly making a difference in a child's life, giving them the gift of a loving family, structure, unconditional love.
I know this is a sappy post, but I just thought I would share. To anyone here who adopts or fosters children, you are truly inspirational and deserve a special place in heaven for your kind deeds. The world needs more people like you and we should all strive to make a difference in someone's life every day.
I was working an OT job today at a local church. As I walked down a hallway, I met a family who was comprised of two white parents, probably mid thirties, and three of their children. The kids were black and mixed race. The oldest was 12 and appeared to have some sort of handicap. The oldest was I believe autistic to some level. As soon as they saw me, the kids instantly wanted to chat. I was blown away by these people. The 12 year old boy was awesome. We talked about his favorite video games, what he liked to do, etc... He was apparently high functioning as he was a very talkative, intelligent young boy. His sister was probably 10. She was a beautiful child, very soft spoken, clinging to her mother as she told me she loves to read and write stories. She was the type of child that melts your heart. The youngest child was probably 6 and was reserved but did engage when I tried to talk to him. After chatting, the mom told the kids to follow dad to wherever they were going. I got a chance to talk to mom for a few minutes. She told me that she and her husband had adopted 5 children through the foster system. I mentioned how busy I imagined their household to be. She confirmed my suspicion! Mom mentioned that they would like to adopt some teenagers when the younger kids are grown and leave the home. She then mentioned the oldest child's(12yr olds) disability and made the comment that he would probably be with them for life.
After chatting with these people, I literally wanted to cry. I didn't tell the mom how much I admired people like them, even though I should have. This brief encounter really slapped me in the face and made me realize how kind and loving human beings can be. These people took 5 children that no one wanted and have become their mom and dad, obviously providing them with an abundant amount of love and the family unit that all children desire. In my opinion, people like this are truly saints. People like this are rare in today's world. I find myself far too often focused on material things, how much money I can make, what's in it for me.... I lose sight of what life is about sometimes, truly making a difference in a child's life, giving them the gift of a loving family, structure, unconditional love.
I know this is a sappy post, but I just thought I would share. To anyone here who adopts or fosters children, you are truly inspirational and deserve a special place in heaven for your kind deeds. The world needs more people like you and we should all strive to make a difference in someone's life every day.
Comment