I went out to my social media feed and read a note from someone connected to me who shared that she and her husband are making foster care in Missouri their primary mission in retirement. That means so much to me.
When I was in college and decided to study social work, everyone around me thought I’d be a great child therapist. But when I got closer to that work, I found the pain was too raw. Years later, I even went through foster care training to become a foster parent—but again, it was deeply difficult.
I think we all have a role to play in helping young people. For me, part of that role has been acknowledging that while the pain of my past is still tender, I can still use my platform to elevate awareness, visibility, and understanding for the foster care community and those who serve it.
Even though my path didn’t lead me to clinical practice, I’ve come to see that my highest and best use may be in shining light on this system, helping others see the kids within it, and encouraging those who can step in to do so.
So today, I’m especially grateful—to Laura, for sharing her heart, and to every person who finds a way to make a difference in the lives of foster youth.