Editor,

It is no surprise that the month of May is designated as National Foster Care Appreciation Month. The month of May carries us well into spring, the season that embodies the promise of life renewed.

Communities across the nation are stepping up to show their appreciation for foster and relative families, child welfare professionals, volunteers and policy makers for their efforts on behalf of children who are in foster care. The same is true in Island County.

To the Island County judiciary, VGAL’s and social workers, thank you for your tireless efforts.

To Island County foster and relative parents, your community is grateful to you. You are the ones who follow the rules, keep the records, tend to appointments, help with homework, cook the meals, 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 hearts of family in your hands.

Your selfless commitment embodies the protective graces of community in children’s lives. Your community stands tall in your honor.

Patti Carroll

Kids First Island County