Editor,

It is no surprise that May is the month that is chosen as National Foster Care Appreciation Month.

By May, we are well into springtime — the season that embodies 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 effort on behalf of children who are in foster care.

The same is true in Island County.

To Island County social workers, CASA’s, Judiciary and all others who are stepping up for local children who are in foster care, thank you for your compassionate and 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, 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 hearts of family in your hands.

Your selfless commitment embodies the protective graces of community for children.

To all who are giving their time, their love and their commitment on behalf of Island County children who are in foster care, your communities stand tall in your honor.

Patti Carroll

Kids First Team

Clinton