Comment from GWHARGIS

Excellent

My husband and I took in a friend of our youngest son. A good kid, who needed a couch to sleep on for a "few days". He stayed with us for close to two years. I was astonished at the things he wasn't used to. The first time I fixed his lunch for school, he nearly cried. His mother was busy trying to "find " herself, never offered to buy so much as a box of cereal for us. She made sure he used her address so she could keep getting benefits. All I could do was put her out of my mind. He still calls me mom and even though we are living states apart, we check in regularly. Showing you care, can make all the difference in a child's life. Great reminder.
Also, check with the local elementary school. We had a local man who became the official "grandfather". He would come in once or twice a week, sit with a different group of kids at lunch. Read to them in the library. Tell them stories . The kids loved him. He filled in a void in many. Thanks for sharing. Gretchen

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 26-Jul-2024

Hello Gretchen,
thanks so much for mentioning the school program. I recall seeing a story in the local paper about a lady who does just that. I remember thinking I could do that, but I didn't follow up. I have a lot of time on my hands, especially in the fall and winter. I'll look in to the program. Thanks for making a difference in that young man's life. We raised seven kids over the course of 28 years, and frankly, the idea of raising more never crossed our minds, but that doesn't mean we can't be involved in a meaningful way still. I really appreciate your words gal.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom

Comment from Tom Horonzy

Excellent

Been there done that, but more for need, see, since we were incapable of bearing fruit, so we adopted twice. Once in 1987, a baby one-month old girl, and the second in 1992, again an infant. Amazing how that was 36 and 31 years past.

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 26-Jul-2024

Hello Tom,
How wonderful that you became parents to those two children. The years really fly by don't they? We were exceptionally fruitful, having raised seven kids. People have wondered how we ever did it, since we never had much in the way of money, but it all worked out great and we never really did without anything. There was never a dull moment for sure. Thanks for taking in those two kids. It takes a special person to step up to the plate and accept the responsibility for another human being. Have a blessed evening.
Tom

Comment from Wendy G

Excellent

This is a beautiful story and I so wish I had a six for you. I will keep my eyes open for this movie as such uplifting stories are few and far between, and I prefer these sorts of movies. They honoured God and were blessed for doing so. You wrote it very well. Thank you for sharing.
Wendy

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 26-Jul-2024

Thanks so much Wendy, for the outstanding review. You know first hand what it is to take on a child in need and I applaud you for it. These people have shown the rest of the world what it means to be the hands and heart of Jesus, and you know they're going to be blessed. Have a blessed day my friend.
Tom

Comment from Pam Lonsdale

Excellent

Spell "emmulate" "emulate" - with one "m"

It's funny that you mention "the ripples will go on for a long time" ... when I was in Boise last week, I attended the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial and they talked about how each of us can be a "ripple".

I know how much you like movies, Tom, and this one really set your heart on fire. It's wonderful to have something to inspire us so.

Thanks for sharing this experience with us.

xo
Pam

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 Comment Written 26-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 26-Jul-2024

Hello Pam,
thanks for catching that error. I used the spell check function, but it didn't catch it. I can only imagine that Boise was blistering hot. We thought of moving down to Lewiston, but couldn't stand the idea of the heat and dry weather. It sounds like you're getting out and around the country gal. I hope you're enjoying yourself.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Oh my goodness, Tom, what a BIG Heart you have. And I am sure you and Jan would be the best foster parents ever. But like you say, we as grandparents now with our own health issues, aren't in a position to be adopting kids but we can each do our part. Thanks for sharing. We'll be on the lookout to see when the movie shows up on Amazon Prime.

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 Comment Written 26-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 26-Jul-2024

Hello Helen,
I don't know that I have an especially big heart. I've thought more than a few times about how those who were in a much less fortunate position than I am were willing to step up to the plate and take on such an enormous responsibility. I looked at several TV interviews before doing this post, and the bishop mentioned to one church group where he was speaking, that God didn't promise that we would have an easy time on this earth, even when we're doing His will. I know that I can do more than I do, I just need a direction and the will to follow through. Thanks so much for the generous review my friend.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom

reply by lyenochka on 26-Jul-2024

You have done a lot for others and you keep in touch with people because you care about them. So you do what the Spirit bids you to do. Today, when we were walking to the car dealer where it was being serviced several people asked for money. I gave ten dollars to a woman whose sign said she lost her job and had three kids to feed at home. Across the street was a man with the exact same sign! I had passed a woman sitting on the ground with a sign asking for money with a child sleeping on her lap. Honestly, I think we know when the Lord urges us to do something. We can't do it all. But He knows all their stories. Thanks for being faithful to Him!

reply by the author on 27-Jul-2024

Oh Helen,
should I make it to heaven, I want to search you out gal. Your compassion and kindness is ever refreshing to me my friend. I'm so glad that you're on this site. Blessings,
Tom