Meet Massachusetts Foster Parents Bonnie and Mark
My husband Mark and I became foster parents with the addition of our 13-year-old son James to the family. Becoming a foster parent has been life changing for me. I have a son who I love and am immensely proud of, and foster parenting has given me insight into what it means to be a parent and the human capacity for caring, plus a chance to make a small difference in the world. In our church, we talk about “measuring the meaning of our days.” Foster parenting gives me daily reassurance that my days have meaning.
The transformation occurred one Sunday in church several years ago when Mark heard the plea for a home for a teenage boy in foster care. While we ultimately didn’t become a family for that teen, the story prompted Mark to approach me about becoming a foster family. I immediately answered “yes,” and in one hour, our lives took on a new and unexpected direction.
Looking back, I realize we had little idea what “yes” would mean. Fortunately, that initial plea came from Casey Family Services, and we became part of an organization that fully supports us as foster parents. Casey has helped us become part of a larger community. We respect the commitment and caring we see in other foster families and feel honored to be part of the group. I look forward to visits with our social worker and find being part of a team a positive experience.
It is said that when you give, you receive, and when you teach, you learn. This certainly has been true of our experience as foster parents. Foster parenting is a major commitment of our time and emotions, and we continue to be thankful that we answered “yes” to the call.
Bonnie, Foster Parent, Massachusetts