Thank you for writing about this, Kelsey! I have a few dear friends who are fostering and they are adamant that they are not uniquely qualified people. It has been a gift to support and learn from them, provide respite, and be a listening ear.
Your poem and reflection resonated deeply with me. Each line brimming with truth, compassion, and the sharp reminder of how love, in its truest form, demands vulnerability.
I grew up in children's homes, so your words strike a familiar chord. It's a complicated feeling when people label foster carers or caregivers as saints, placing them on pedestals, distant and untouchable. Because the truth is, as your poem beautifully points out, they're simply human, doing something deeply human, loving, hurting, hoping. By mythologising their role, others excuse themselves from responsibility, from participation.
You’ve articulated perfectly why awareness months matter, not just as symbolic gestures but as real, actionable reminders that care happens in myriad forms. The challenge now, as you suggest, is moving beyond gestures and into meaningful acts, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. A genuine act of care is never wasted, because it tells someone unseen, someone like the child I was, that they're worth it.
Thank you for such a thoughtful comment, Matt. It means to a lot to hear it resonated with you. I love how you expanded on the notion of people mythologizing foster parents as a way to excuse oneself from participation. It’s so true! I’m honored to use my voice to bring awareness to this cause and speak up for vulnerable children because you’re absolutely right—they are worth it!
So good, Kelsey!!
Thank you so much!
Thank you for writing about this, Kelsey! I have a few dear friends who are fostering and they are adamant that they are not uniquely qualified people. It has been a gift to support and learn from them, provide respite, and be a listening ear.
I'm sure your support for your friends means more to them than you'll ever know! Thank you for reading and for putting your love into action!
Your poem and reflection resonated deeply with me. Each line brimming with truth, compassion, and the sharp reminder of how love, in its truest form, demands vulnerability.
I grew up in children's homes, so your words strike a familiar chord. It's a complicated feeling when people label foster carers or caregivers as saints, placing them on pedestals, distant and untouchable. Because the truth is, as your poem beautifully points out, they're simply human, doing something deeply human, loving, hurting, hoping. By mythologising their role, others excuse themselves from responsibility, from participation.
You’ve articulated perfectly why awareness months matter, not just as symbolic gestures but as real, actionable reminders that care happens in myriad forms. The challenge now, as you suggest, is moving beyond gestures and into meaningful acts, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. A genuine act of care is never wasted, because it tells someone unseen, someone like the child I was, that they're worth it.
Thank you for such a thoughtful comment, Matt. It means to a lot to hear it resonated with you. I love how you expanded on the notion of people mythologizing foster parents as a way to excuse oneself from participation. It’s so true! I’m honored to use my voice to bring awareness to this cause and speak up for vulnerable children because you’re absolutely right—they are worth it!
Thank you for this beautiful read. I’ll be sharing it on my facebook page.
And thank you for sharing the organizations that are dear to your heart.
Thank you so much for the kind words and for sharing!!
Oof. I feel like you took the words right out of my brain with “If not you, who?” 👏👏👏
It’s what I’m not brave enough to say to people IRL 🤣
Um 1000% 😂
Beautiful poem, Kelsey! Thanks for sharing this and for the important reminder that foster care affects us all, even if not directly involved!
Thank you, Laura! 🫶🏼
This is perfect and beautiful! I love your last line of your poem: “not mine / mine ” - that sums it all up right there 💔
Thank you so much for the shout-out, and the gorgeous essay! 🩷
Thank you so much! The not mine/mine dichotomy is impossible to articulate unless you've been there, it's always nice to hear from others who get it.
And I'm happy to share other voices rooting for the same cause-I loved your perspective!