Several years ago, when I was in my early 40s, I met a couple in their 70s who had just taken in a 6-month-old foster child. The baby's name was Grace ... or as her foster father called her, Amazing Grace. She was a beautiful little girl, but the ones who I thought were amazing were the foster parents. I know the energy required to care for a growing-up baby, and this couple (who had long ago raised their own children) had the additional challenge of Grace's "drug baby" status. If you visit here often, you know I love children. I just can't imagine how someone can take in a child and love them ... and then have to give them up. I asked the foster mother how she could stand to do that. With wisdom far beyond my years, she ... Keep Reading...
CARE PACKAGES: Day 21 of 31 Days of Creative Caring
Care packages... There are lots of times when sending a care package is "just what the doctor ordered." Here is a sampling of some of those times ... plus a link with suggestions for each one. An online search will provide many more! College student -- during finals or anytime suggestions Military deployment suggestions New mother suggestions Child's surgery suggestions Summer camp (or student attending residential school) suggestions Something to think about... If you're a "theme" person, you can really have a good time putting together a care package! In fact, sometimes having a theme makes it easier to decide what to include. Have you ever received (or sent) a care ... Keep Reading...
THE GIFT REGISTRY: Day 20 of 31 Days of Creative Caring
I recently had the pleasure of attending a "meet the newlyweds" shower. The groom's family lives in our community, but he's been away at college for several years ... then married out of state. Friends of the parents hosted the event. Rather than yet another please give us more gifts shower, this young couple requested that guests bring items to equip the soon-to-be-complete Samaritan House. Some of you may remember that Samaritan House is the women's shelter where I did these Lavished and Adored tablescapes.Since 1987, Samaritan House staff and volunteers have put into practice the lesson of the Good Samaritan. As Jesus taught us to go and be good neighbors to those in need, Samaritan House shares housing, counseling, social ... Keep Reading...
