There are more than 100,000 children in need of adoption right here in the United States. That is 100,000 children who never get a kiss at night, a bedtime story, a warm meal on the table or a Mom and Dad to love. We were fortunate to be blessed with two of the most remarkable children through the love of adoption right here in our community of Orange County.
Our life was simple and happy. Then one night the phone rang.
A child was in need of an emergency shelter, and the same social worker that had worked with us in the past, asked if we could open our home to this young boy.
That morning we saw a rainbow in the sky, and knew that it was our mission to help this young boy. Within the moment we said, "yes," our lives were turned upside down.
The boy had been severely abused - both physically and emotionally. Instead of watching our favorite television show at night, we would begin holding him for hours. Holding him to help heal his pain.
I had bought my children hundreds of pairs of shoes. When their shoes would show the slightest bit of wear, we would run out and get a new pair. Our boy had never owned a new pair of shoes. When we took him to the shoe store for the first time, he fell on the floor crying about getting his first pair of Nike shoes.
His eyes followed my hands with every lace of the shoes. When we got home, my other kids tossed their shoes in the basket, but our boy carefully placed them next to his bed.
I had always done a lot of volunteer work growing up, but never truly understood the impact of what it is like for a child in crisis, until I cared for one. Children are our most precious gift on earth, and when you care for one that was not treated like a gift - I felt my heart broke.
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| Andrew saying "good-bye" to our boy |
Our boy lived with us for a couple of months and left a smiling young boy. The impact of our love forever changed his life, and he changed ours. We were not able to erase the scars, but able to mask them with love. He is now a growing young boy. He gets a warm meal every day, a seat in a classroom and most importantly - a Mom and Dad to kiss him good-night.
Champion for kids is a service project with a focus on making a difference in children's lives. Even though we live in a warm environment in Orange County, there are still many children who go cold every night.
Champion for kids is creating a spark in the heart of children across the country. Inspiring people to stand-up and make a difference.
I am going to be putting together a special package for a child at Kinship Center. I chose Kinship Center because of the service work that they do for adopted and foster children. They give lifelong services to children just like my own, and children that may never find a permanent home.
We are creating a special kit with all the needs a child might need to stay warm this winter, and most importantly for them to feel loved.
We are hoping to shine a light down on a child, and light up their life - will you join us?
I was compensated for this post as part of a social shopper insights study with collective bias. All my thoughts and opinions are of my own.
