If you have older kids, you've probably heard of the new movie, Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief.  I have not seen this movie yet, but I know it's a story about a young hero, which makes me think:  What is a hero, really?  Who are the real heroes in today's world?
 
Some people would say Superman, Spiderman, etc.  Others would say the real heroes are doctors, firefighters, police officers, and soldiers.  Still others would say that a hero is someone who sacrifices his own life for someone else, or who puts herself in harm's way to help out another person.  Wikipedia.com defines a hero or heroine this way:  "In Greek mythology and folklore, [hero/heroine] was originally a demigod.  Later,....came to refer to characters who, in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, display courage and the will for self sacrifice - that is, heroism - for some greater good, originally of martial courage or excellence but extended to more general moral excellence.  Stories of heroism may serve as moral examples."
 
I would like for you to consider another group of people.  If you are reading this, you are probably either an adoptive or foster parent, someone considering adoption or foster parenting, a child welfare professional, or an advocate for children.  I want you to consider yourself a hero.  You might not be dodging bullets or flying around the sky saving the world, but you are doing great good.  Too many times we don't stop and recognize the good work we do.  Most of the time we are critical of ourselves and focus on all that is going wrong, all we aren't doing well enough.
 
Please stop for a minute and take a look at all you are doing right.  You are changing the world for someone.  Nobody likes to see kids removed from their families, but the reality is, some cannot live in their biological homes.  They need someone to speak up for them and protect them.  DCS and provider agency personnel do that.  And foster / adoptive parents are the heroes above all heroes!  You hang in there when things get really tough, because you know a child's life and precious future depends on it!  ASAP therapists, you are heroes, too - sometimes, you serve as the glue that holds a family together when the going gets rough.
 
Keep up the good work, heroes!!!  And, if your family needs a little "glue", or if you are a professional working to help a family through a tough time, and they need some more support, call ASAP and let our heroes help.