Editor,

It is fitting that the month of May is dedicated as National Foster Care Appreciation Month for May is the heart of the season that bears witness to the promise of life-renewed.

Communities across the nation are stepping up to show their appreciation to foster and relative parents, family members, child welfare professionals, volunteers and policy makers for their efforts in behalf of children who are in foster care.

The same is true in Island County.

To Island County social workers, CASA’s, relative parents and the judiciary who are stepping up for local children who are in foster care, thank you for your compassionate and tireless efforts!

To Island County foster parents, your community is grateful to you.

You are the ones who follow the rules, keep the records, attend the appointments, get children to school, wash the clothes, heal the wounds, celebrate the joys, wake up at night to comfort and soothe restless children.

You are the normal in children’s lives.

You hold the tender heart of family in your hands.

Your selfless commitment embodies the protective graces of community in children’s lives.

Your communities stand tall in your honor!

Patti Carroll

For Kids First-Island County