Fostering Loving Kindness

Last week, I had the privilege to talk to a mother of a baby.  What made this mom unique is that she is in her 60's.  She is a foster mom and this is one of many babies she has fostered and will continue to foster during her life.  The tiny girl had been only weeks earlier emaciated and failing to thrive.  Now this baby girl had a smile on her face to light up the room.   This foster Mom told me that she loved every baby she fostered and would cry when each one left.  She would not have any control over the future of these babies, yet knew that she loved them in a moment they needed her most.  And I realize this is such a wonderful contribution to our society.

 According to the most recent Census Statistics,  641,000 children were served by the foster system in the US in 2013.  One could rant and rave about the birth mothers and their neglect.  One could complain about how the "system" is encouraging low income mothers to have  babies they cannot afford.   But in truth, haven't most of us required others to help us in our parenting when there are moments we could not do it alone?

About 10 years ago, I had to stop working due to several chronic illnesses.  During that time, my daughter was still quite young.  My major symptoms have been  severe fatigue and pain.    I am so grateful for family members and friends who would take my daughter places when I could not.  There were a couple of close families who even took my daughter on vacations.  My daughter would have been neglected of many experiences had she not been "fostered" by the care of others outside our immediate family.

None of us can be perfectly attentive at all times.  Adults experience illnesses and emotional challenges that adversely affect our ability to parent.  At these times it is prudent to allow family and friends to help us to nurture our children.  "Foster care" of some sort is needed for our children to thrive in spite of our personal difficult circumstances.  It is unlikely we can do away with the elements that cause a child to wind up in the foster care system.  Yet we can support those who do the fostering.  Donations.  Volunteer.  Babysit.

 Let's give kudos to those wonderful people who are fostering children who can't be cared for by their own parents.  These people do this by personal choice and it requires relentless commitment just as all parenting does.  They step in and give love and care to the most vulnerable among us.  Foster parents are making our communities and therefore our world a better place for all of us.  

It's a challenge to the rest of us to step up and give loving kindness where ever we are able.

And that's Penny's two cents.

What's your two cents?  What is do you think about foster care or parents letting people care for their children who are not part of their biological families?  Please leave your comments.