Christine M. Quirk: Celebrate National Adoption Month
<font size="2">She was 10 1/2 months old when she arrived at her foster home, wearing boy's shorts in the cold November weather and little work boots which were a size too small. Her older brother, age 2½, had his baby blanket and an enormous Winnie the Pooh doll with him. Their foster mother gave them a snack of sandwiches; days later, the little boy admitted he didn't really like peanut butter after all. </font>
<font size="2">They needed stability and consistency. They needed good nutrition and warm, well-fitting clothing. As time went by, they learned letters and numbers and colors. They learned to use the potty and dress themselves. They learned about unconditional love and grieving the loss of their parents. And when it was time, they learned to move on. </font>
<font size="2">These children are now our children, my husband Rich's and mine. </font>