An Open Letter to My CASA Kiddos

by | Sep 4, 2018 | CASA Blog, CASA Updates

Share this post

Oprah quote

quotefancy.com

 

Dearest Kiddos,

The day I received my case appointment papers was the day you were officially mine.  You were my responsibility.  I agreed to give you a voice; a sense of belonging; a sufficient, safe home; a constant presence until you received permanency.  I did not realize at that time what I would glean from you.  You have become one of my greatest blessings.

As I look back on the years that we navigated the legal system together, I acknowledge that I have learned a lot more from your story than I have from our judicial system.  The legal jargon is impressive, but your simple words and innocent facial expressions have spoken to me far deeper.

You have taught me resilience.  You have picked up the tiny pieces of life that you were given and grown by leaps and bounds.  You have compensated for being born into an environment not suitable for thriving.  You have adapted amazingly to the disability that you were born with.  You have turned that obstacle into a dream.  Reach for the stars, my child!  Of course you can teach others to walk someday.

You have taught me about the unwavering, faithful love that a child will have for his mother.  Your unconditional love is an inspiration.  Despite the many ways she has failed you, your love is steadfast.  May I learn to love so unselfishly.

You have taught me that there is security in familiar consistency.  It is okay to have chicken nuggets every Friday.  Those visits have become my normal too.  When you receive permanency and those visits end, I will miss them. There was “big medicine” in those nuggets for both of us.

You have taught me that it is perfectly fine to sit in silence.  Words aren’t always necessary to express your feelings.  Your silence spoke louder than words.

I have heard it said that it only takes one stable, caring, supportive adult to lead a child to a positive outcome in the face of adversity.  Now I have witnessed first hand how a child can make a profound difference in the life of an adult.  I pray that I have made a difference for you too.

You are my superhero.

Your CASA


Share this post

Court Appointed Special Advocates are community volunteers who speak up for the best interests of children in foster care. Volunteer CASAs work for the best interests of kids by advocating for their safety and permanency.

CASA Stories

Jake’s CASA Story

In September of 2024, Jake aged out of foster care when he turned eighteen. To many in the...

Milo’s CASA Story

When Milo was born, his cord blood tested positive for meth. Child and Family Services implemented...

Maya & Lainey

Law enforcement was called to Lainey and Maya’s rural home on the edge of Billings when their mom...

Related Posts

Jake’s CASA Story

Jake’s CASA Story

In September of 2024, Jake aged out of foster care when he turned eighteen. To many in the community, he might just seem like another statistic—a young person aging out of the system. But to his CASA Advocate, Cyndi, Jake is still that ten-year-old boy she first chose...

Advocate Spotlight: Terri Richards

Advocate Spotlight: Terri Richards

Terri Richards has had a remarkable journey, heavily influenced by her family’s experiences as an expatriate in Saudi Arabia for 20 years and later as a nursing instructor and volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Her background in psychiatric nursing...

Advocate Spotlight: Noelle Gaudreau

Advocate Spotlight: Noelle Gaudreau

Noelle Gaudreau is committed to making a positive impact in her community, both as an elementary teacher and as a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).  Her story exemplifies her passion for helping children.  As an elementary teacher, Noelle...

Take the First Step

Attend an Info Session