To the editor:

It seems perfectly fitting that May is selected as National Foster Care Month for it occurs during the season that bears witness to the promise and beauty of life renewed.

National Foster Care Month gives each of us time to remember that children are our most precious resource. It gives each of us reason to show that we are grateful to local foster and relative parents who are providing stable and loving home environments for the children entrusted to their care.

Communities across the nation are stepping up to show their appreciation to the individuals and families who are choosing to respond to this higher calling. The same is true in Island County.

Kudos to the volunteers at the M-Bar-C Ranch for the warmth and for the home-style hospitality that you shared as you welcomed local foster and relative families to the ranch for the May 4 appreciation event. Kudos as well to the good folks at Jet Java, JW Desserts, the Tree Top Bakery and Whidbey Cupcakes for your partnership. Your generous contributions serve to show families that their communities are grateful to them for their selfless commitment to tending the well-being of the children in their care.

To those who serve as foster and relative parents in Island County, your community is deeply 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 heart and healing of family in your hands. You embody the graces of a compassionate community and we stand tall in your honor.

Patti Carroll

Clinton

kidsfirst-ic.org