Since May is National Foster Care month, I wish to express my deep appreciation for all of the foster parents who care for foster children in our community. For ten years, I have had the privilege of working with many dedicated foster parents, who seek to make a lasting difference in a child's life. Each of them make a daily commitment to meet the needs of abused and neglected children, who have been removed from their homes throughout the Upstate of South Carolina.

I have witnessed foster parents who give of themselves-their time, efforts, support, and resources-with little recognition. I have seen from my own personal experience the benefit received by the foster children from being in a nurturing home environment. Some foster parents keep children in their home on a full-time basis, whereas others provide respite care. Since foster care is meant to be temporary, the foster parents also realize the plan is usually for the child to leave their home. I have observed foster parents who then deal with the loss of the child and how the loss affects each member of the family.

During National Foster Care month, my heartfelt thanks is expressed to all foster parents for their sacrifice to children. I also wish to encourage more Christians to become involved in the foster care system and to consider becoming a foster parent.

Sharon M. Betts

Pickens, SC

Editor's Note: Sharon Betts is the Foster Home Coordinator for Miracle Hill Children's Home.