A Best Start

When the last of Mary and Edward’s children had grown and left their home, Edward breathed a sigh of relief. He was looking forward to getting to know his wife again. But Mary had a different idea. She told her husband she wanted to be a foster parent. When he saw the passion with which Mary spoke about helping a child in need, he soon agreed that they should become foster parents with Illinois MENTOR. Edward knew they made the right decision the moment he met their first two girls—one born with fetal alcohol syndrome and the other abused at the hands of her natural parents. Edward himself had known his share of hardship as a child.

“I know what it is to be abused,” he confided. “I told Mary, ‘these kids don’t ever need to know that life. Let’s give them the best start we possibly can.’”

Edward and Mary have been giving children “best starts” ever since. Such was the case for Andy*, a little boy who required more care than his young mother could provide. Not yet one year old, Andy underwent a heart transplant. Mary and Edward knew Andy’s medical condition would be challenging, but instead of running away, they set to work. The team at Illinois MENTOR helped Mary and Edward to ensure Andy had the best care possible, and it showed. Andy demonstrated great improvement in his balance and fine motor skills. He began to climbs steps and run short distances, and seeing him in Mary’s nurturing arms, one could not doubt his happiness.

In addition to meeting Andy’s needs, Mary and Edward provide specialized care for two other children with medically complex conditions—a 7-year-old boy they have adopted, and a 6-month-old baby girl. The duties can be rigorous, and not without their share of heartbreak, but the challenges have only strengthened their resolve to care for children with special needs.

In the end, Mary and Edward want more than a “best start” for their kids. They also want to give them the best future possible.

*To protect his privacy, the child’s name has been changed.