My mom had a friend – Auntie Lynda. She always would come over for parties and one time, she visited with a little girl. My Auntie Lynda was a Foster parent and since then, I always dreamed of one day being a foster parent too. Here we are…about 40 years later and my dream to be a foster parent has yet to come true.
Interesting though…how the universe works. The definition of foster is to encourage or promote the development of something, typically something regarded as good. While I may not be a licensed foster parent, I get to welcome so many kids…whole families even…into our home we call IMA. While just a brief moment in their schedule, we are entrusted to guide the students…the whole student…mind and body. We provide a space for them to feel safe, comfortable and brave. Kinda sounds to me like I am already fostering and at a much larger scale. It completely warms my heart…every tear, every smile, every high five…every breakthrough moment.
I do think about all the kids that need a loving foster home and maybe I will get dealt that card one day. But for now…I am wholeheartedly grateful for the opportunity to “foster” our students to the best of my ability, provide them with the care and support they need to thrive, and coach them through challenging opportunities with confidence and resilience.