As I write to you this morning, I thank God for the three small sleeping children in my home.

Many years our home was filled with the comings and goings of children. Then one day, like all empty nesters, I found my home, my arms, childless. Others encouraged my husband and I to enjoy this freedom. To have an extra cup of morning coffee, to complete a conversation without a child’s emergency. Although there were a few nice quiet moments, I missed the hugs, the silliness and yes, even the eye rolling of the children.

My husband and I were slowly turning into very old people without the encouragement to play. After some consideration we decided to open our home and foster children. To our pure delight (a baby!), and our greatest fear (would we get to keep him?), our first placement was an infant. Since the first child (which we adopted), we have shared our lives with teenagers, toddlers and drug affected newborn, adopting two more children along the way.

Fostering/adopting is the most challenging and rewarding thing my family has ever been involved in. So, dear editor, I’m writing to shine a positive light on the foster care system and to let your readers know that there are thousands of children waiting to be adopted in America, some in our own community. Maybe your home is already kin to the Brady Bunch, but you have room in your heart for one more.

Maybe your home has never heard the bubbling, contagious laughter of a child or you are single but don’t want a future without children. Or, maybe your an empty nester and need to refeather your nest. Whatever the reason you yearn for children there is a simple way to grow into the family you imagined. It only takes a phone call, (301) 784-7060, speak with Jan Chippendale at the Department of Social Services, and the process begins. Your home, your arms, your heart never be childless again. I encourage your readers to broaden their thinking, expand their horizons and give a life to a child. It is your life that will be truly blessed.

During this season of Thanksgiving and everyday I thank God for my children, for the women who gave them physical birth and the system that brought us together.

Brenda Hager

Cumberland