In Remembrance: Stella Quarrels
FSFAPA is saddened to learn of the passing of former board member Stella Quarrels on Monday, October 3. Stella, a foster and adoptive parent from Jacksonville, served FSFAPA for many years as president and then as F.A.S.T. coordinator. She was instrumental in starting the tradition of Lighting the Way at the Florida Coalition for Children conference in November and wrote poetry about foster children and adoptive families. The poem below was written by Stella and we repost it here in her memory.
Children Know...
Stella Quarrels
You can look in their eyes, and see by the pain,
They've sailed some rough seas, and suffered in vain;
Their spirits are broken, their faith totally shattered,
And given up hope, their little lives mattered!
They've been on the front-lines, like soldiers of war,
Fought endless battles, with no chance to score;
There were no medals of honor, pinned on their chests,
And no way to escape, life's toughest of tests!
They've carried their burdens, without speaking to others,
For the 'weight', is their own, fathers and mothers;
They've hungered far more, than there ever was cause,
Yet accepted their fate, with little more than a pause!
So remember, when one of these 'soldiers', are given to you,
They'll fight against everything that you try to do;
But be persistent, don't quit, just stick to your plan,
For the child in the "soldier", will seek your gentle hand!
Slowly their minds, and their spirits will mend,
When they are secure, that you're their friend;
And that is the greatest gift, you could ever bestow.
For when you give from the heart, all children know!
© Stella Quarrels
