“All of us are born for a reason, but all of us don’t discover why. Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It’s what you do for others.” ~Danny Thomas
While looking through an old address book while writing out Christmas cards, I came across Beta Foster Care. I called the number to see if Craig (Craig Zacuto executive director/founder of Beta Foster Care) was still there, and guess who answered the phone! I was happy that Craig remembered me and our talk took me on a journey to memory lane. In 2001, Stan and I decided to become foster parents. After going through all the meetings and requirements with Craig, we were finally certified. Throughout the next couple of years, we had many children come through our home. We had many outings, played countless softball games with our foster children, and neighborhood kids, went on hikes, bike riding and enjoyed listening to their stories. In 2003, Stan’s job took us back to Hawaii.
Throughout the years, we thought about our many foster kids and reminisced the times we had with them. We had one 17 year old with us for about one week for respite care. It was just a week, but it was filled with long talks of his past, present and future. A year later, on Christmas day, he called us out of the blue. He told us that he was no longer in foster care and just finished his first year of college. He called to thank us for that one week and wished us a Merry Christmas!
Another warm memory is of two wonderful boys we had for a couple of months. They were sweet, respectful and kind. Their days were spent going to school, doing homework and playing outside with our own kids. We also got to know their mom on their weekly visits and it was apparent where they got their sweet disposition. After they were returned back to their parents, our family was invited to their family functions and we were always warmly introduced as the boys foster parents. On our last night in California, the boys came to sleepover. That was the last time we saw them, and unfortunately we lost contact. This year, to my surprise, one of these two boys had found Stan on Facebook. It was such a thrill to see that adorable face. We exchanged messages and he told me that the time he spent with us were such happy times. He told me that his brother was doing great and “keeping out of trouble” (which is what all parents like to hear!) Through his Facebook page, I was able to find his mom. She said that she tried to find us for years and her boys always talked about Stan and me, even to this day!
It’s hard to put into words, what rewards are gained from being a foster parent. It’s different for everyone, but for me, one thing I know from this entire experience is that without knowing it, even one very small act of kindness may have a profound impact on an individual that will last a lifetime. That in itself makes it all worth it.
Thanks Craig for your support and always being there for us. Without Beta Foster Care, I don’t know if I can say that this experience would have been as great as it’s been!