Dear foster moms,

Thank you … YOU … yes YOU … each and every one of YOU.

YOU, who feels weary and is just trying to get through the day. YOU, who feels guilty because you “think” you are getting this wrong. YOU who doesn’t want to take one more call from your child’s school. YOU, who looks at your calendar of endless testing, doctor and therapy appointments. YOU who feels frustrated, exhausted and is wondering if anything is working.

Good news … YOU have a perfect track record of getting through it all! That’s right, Mom, YOU are still standing. Right now, today, your record stands at 100 – 0, or maybe it’s 1000 – 0. Yes, YOU have come out round after round and the towel is nowhere to be found. Why? Because from the moment your children entered your life, YOU have given them your undivided attention and unconditional love.

YOU, Mom, have shown them what they need to see, taught them what they need to know and picked them up when the world let them down. YOU have loved them in ways no one else ever will. They are healthier, smarter, stronger, braver and happier because of YOU. YOU are their rock, their world and their hero!

Now, I understand your gauge may be flashing red, your filter needs changing and YOU, my friend, are close to empty. The countless interactions with needy people have drained YOU, many times without your awareness. Well, let me reassure YOU, sweet mama, that the sun, and YOU, will rise again tomorrow. Tomorrow can be the day YOU see all the progress YOU have made. Tomorrow can be the day YOU feel all the love coming back to YOU. Tomorrow can be the day YOU think, “I’ve got this!”

Thank YOU, thank YOU, thank YOU, moms everywhere for each and everything YOU do … it all matters, and YOU matter!!