This is my daughter’s third year in college. for the first two years she was five hours away. Every break I joyfully hit the road to bring my babygirl home. I ever showed up empty-handed. Along with my smile and hugs I always had something a little surprise for her – a cute T-shirt, cookies, a magazine. I welcomed her home with a token of appreciation to mark a special occasion Now she is here in Maryland less than an hour from home and it has been crazy busy. When I picked her up from school this week I didn’t have a gift! I was upset with myself for breaking the tradition. I didn’t want her to think that because she was closer to home her arrival was any less special. Well, you know what? that was my issue and not hers. She wasn’t concerned at all. In fact – she brought me a gift!! I asked her if she wanted me to wait until Christmas and she did not. My gift is a blue owl bank – I am a fan of owls and blue is my favorite color. She knows that she will always have a home to return to.
Imagine the pain and loneliness of the students who have no one to send them care packages, or visit them, or welcome them home with open arms during holiday break. Learn more in the article “Collegiate Foster Kids Need Homes for the Holidays” by Mickey Goodman in Foster Focus Magazine.
The 15th Annual “A Home for the Holidays with Celine Dion,” an entertainment special celebrating the joys of adoption, will be broadcast Wednesday, December 18, 2013, at 8:00pm EST on the CBS Television Network.
Nicki Sanders, MSW, Chief Visionary Officer
The Teen Toolbox utilizes youth portfolio development and civic engagement and academic empowerment strategies to help teens set goals for life after high school and create a road map to reach those goals through its PACKAGED FOR SUCCESS™ Programs. We are committed to supporting and raising awareness about the needs and potential of teenagers in the foster care system.
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