Our nation has set aside one day in November each year to celebrate families that chose to adopt children out of the foster care system.  Clearly, honoring families willing to take on this challenge is worth celebrating.  And….at YFC, we had our share of celebrations.

On the front page of the Tacoma News Tribune three weeks ago was an article featuring YFC foster parents, Fred and Denise Gustafson and the adoption of their two foster children, Sadie and Kayla.  The article was very nice and included a great picture of the Gustafsons and their very happy children. 

Also on this day YFC celebrated the adoption of Layla…who was adopted by Tom and Ellen Tucker.  The Tuckers were ecstatic to officially bring Layla into their family.  They celebrated afterward with family and friends who walked with them on this journey.

Although these families had much to celebrate, these days are also a bit sobering.  I’ve heard many of our foster families over the years describe this day as “bitter sweet”.  It is this way because they fully realize that in order for them to have the opportunity to adopt a child…..it meant that a biological mother and father suffered a significant loss.  At YFC, we always want to keep in mind that, if possible, children belong with their biological families.  But, when this is not possible, we want to provide these children with quality families willing to meet their every need.

So, today, we celebrate with the Gustafson’s and the Tuckers…..and the many other families across the country that answered the call to care for foster children when they were in their most significant need.