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  Becoming foster parents is one of the most rewarding things we have ever done in our lives. We have always had a great love for children and you would think having four of our own would be more than enough to keep us busy. I told my husband years ago that I felt like I had a calling to become a foster parent and to help children that needed a loving, stable home, even if temporarily. About four years ago, we began making some calls around to foster care agencies and when I spoke to the licensing coordinator at NYAP, I knew that was the agency for us.
My husband works a very odd schedule and works most weekends and they were so flexible in working with us on our training, that if it weren’t for them, we would have never been able to attend the training required to be licensed. Once licensed, we were really anxious for that first call. I will never forget the
night we received it; it was four days before Christmas and we got a referral for two children. I was really nervous at first wondering if they would like me, how they would react to us, and I guess just fear of the unknown since I had never done this before. We spent the next several days getting them settled in and making them feel at home. After the holidays were over, we really had a chance to relax and enjoy them. My children adapted very quickly to them and they blended into our family so well.
I’m not going to say it is not challenging, because it is. It takes time and
dedication and there are times when you are frustrated because there is nothing you can do about decisions that are made. There are times when your heart breaks for these children and you wonder why life has dealt them such an unfair hand. But knowing all that, when a little child looks into your eyes and tells you they love you or even seeing the trust building between you and that child, it makes it all worthwhile.
It was bittersweet to see them go, when they left us to go back home. I was
glad that the mother had met the requirements to get her children back and yet, I was sad because I missed them like crazy. In just a short time they had become part of our family. I knew they belonged with their biological parents, and was just happy that I could be there for them when they needed me. I will never forget them and memories of them always puts a smile on my face. My life would have not had as much joy without them in it.
It doesn’t take a college degree to be a foster parent. You don’t have to own a mansion and have loads of money. All you have to have is a willing heart and an open mind. Believe me; you can make a difference in a child’s life. I feel that I went into foster care to give a blessing and came out receiving one. I am so thankful that I took that first step and called to find out more and I promise you, if you decide to become one, you will be rewarded more than you will ever know.
-Amy & Doug (NYAP Foster Parents)
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