"TIME to help foster parents’’ (Oct. 14, Metro, Page B1). Everything Yvonne Abraham mentioned in her column is true. I know because I am a specialized foster parent who cares for abused children. Many people ask me why I do this. I answer: Because I love my work. People also ask for details about my work, and what I am reimbursed for (the money issue always comes up, because for some reason people have the idea that we do this work only for the money). So when all their questions are answered, and they are standing there in shock, they tell me they could never do this work, or you’re crazy, or you should get a regular job. Well, who will care for these kids?
There have been many times I stopped to think (especially after a meeting with the Department of Children and Families, dealings with biological families, or dealings with anyone else involved with the child - which usually ends up with a finger waved in your face for some ridiculous reason) that yes, I must be crazy! Then I go home to the child I am caring for, who when first placed in my home would tell me where to go and how to get there, but now asks me how my day was and proceeds to give me a hug. I then realize this is why I do this work.
Robin Boyd
Lynn 
