Editor,

Imagine it is an ordinary day. You are going about your usual routines. You are at work, in a meeting with colleagues when you are approached by strangers who tell you that you must leave with them. They help you gather whatever belongings are within your reach and take you to their car. They assure you that you are safe with them and that they are acting in your best interests.

You are driven to the home of people whom you do not know.

Once again, you are assured that you will be safe while you are living with them and that, one day soon, you will see your family members. Life, as you knew it, has suddenly ended.

Now imagine that you are an eight-year-old child and that these events unfolded during your school day. The average age of Island County children who are currently in foster care is eight years old.

It is no surprise, then, that May is the month that is chosen to show appreciation for those who serve as foster parents. The month of May takes us 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, Family Court judiciary and all others who are stepping up for children who are in foster care, 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, attend the appointments, get children to school, wash the clothes, heal the wounds, celebrate the joys and 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.

To each of you who share time, talents and heart with Island County children who are in foster care, your fellow community members stand tall and grateful in your honor.

Patti Carroll

Kids First Island County