You Are My Sunshine
As a part of Child S.H.A.R.E.’s support to our foster families, Welcome Gifts are delivered to all newly placed foster children. Today, Welcome Gifts were delivered to two young girls, 7 month old Ana* and 2 year old Sara* (*names have been changed to maintain confidentiality).
Upon receiving the toys, blankets and necessities from Child S.H.A.R.E. Recruiter, Lauren McKinley the girls rejoiced, yelling over and over “Thank you, lady!” Sara followed up her thanks by proudly serenading everyone in the room. Sara’s song choice? “You are My Sunshine.” Hearing that sweet voice sing with such joy, tears came to Lauren’s eyes as she reflected on how true that statement is of Sara.
Sara was initially placed with her Child S.H.A.R.E. foster Mom, Natalie* when she was 10 months old, when her biological mother was incarcerated. Sara was returned to her biological mother at 18 months of age, in that time her mother gave birth to another baby girl, Ana.
Shortly after she was returned to her biological mother, Sara was found walking the streets of Los Angeles at midnight, trailing behind her intoxicated mother. A well intentioned driver passing on the street where Sara and her mother were walking, stopped to intervene. After determining the mother was under the influence, the passerby scooped up the little Sara and took her to their home. Upon arriving home, the well intentioned family called the police. Sara’s mother was arrested for child endangerment and Sara, along with her baby sister Ana, were returned to Natalie.
Natalie is amazed at how rapidly Sara and Ana have bounced back from their recent abuse. Sara loves caring for her baby sister. Initially when she was placed with Natalie, baby Sara was aggressive and had numerous behavioral challenges. In her time at a Child S.H.A.R.E. home Sara has become incredibly well adjusted. As her foster mom attests, “it’s like she remembers the difference between what she went through and being here.” Sara is finally in a place where she feels safe and loved.
Sara & Ana join three big brothers, who were also adopted from foster care, in their loving Child S.H.A.R.E. home. Their foster mom Natalie, buoyed by the support of her mother, who is also an adoptive parent, showers them with love and attention. These two extraordinary women are true servants, dedicating their lives to the abused children who come to their door, reeling from abuse and craving the love and stability of a family. Child S.H.A.R.E. is honored to support them.
