Whenever I try to come up with words to describe what it’s like to be a foster parent/family, I’m always a bit stuck — just like being a parent of any kid brings up different adjectives on different days:

• Amazing
• Exhausting
• Exciting
• Rewarding
• Draining
• Confusing
• Joyous

But in all honesty, being a foster/adoptive parent is a privilege. We are stepping in to help a family in crisis by providing a safe place for a child to stay while his or her family heals, and that kind of parenting does seem to bring to mind different adjectives:

• Honorable
• Tested
• Strong
• Humble
• Patient
• Hopeful
• Flexible
• Vulnerable
• Courageous

The best way we’ve learned to function is to remain fluid — plans change. The child’s needs are different and it is our job to help write this chapter of their life with love and support. It really comes down to ordinary people making a daily commitment to the extraordinary. When this happens, we are giving the  family the opportunity to heal and, in turn, change the child’s life.