Hello Friends,
It was Thanksgiving eve 1998 when Angels received the call for our first baby! The Cooper family was elated when they heard about the baby boy they would soon meet, nearly four months old, who had already been in three previous homes. With such short notice the decision was made for me to pick him up and take him home until the Coopers could come later. The turkey waited to be stuffed and the pies would bake tomorrow as my family and I took turns holding this precious child - I remember that night like it was yesterday.
Fast forward 12 years . . .
As we approach Thanksgiving, I find myself returning over and over to the gratitude we feel toward all our families, volunteers, donors and staff who work to further our mission.
We are so grateful for the opportunity to transform the lives of children in such a fundamental way. Every baby rescued from abuse and neglect means one more life saved, one more tragedy prevented, and one more future protected. Every baby, whether the first, rescued twelve years ago, or Baby Number 500, who will likely join a wonderful Angels family by the end of 2011, represents a precious gift.
The milestone of our 500th baby is a meaningful one for the Angels family. We are very focused on outreach efforts to recruit, screen and train many more well-qualified families to join our Angels team. We turn away babies who need loving families every week.
This Thanksgiving, as I hold my family close, I can't help but remember the children who are still waiting for their forever family and promise to stay focused on our goal of a loving home for each and every one.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
Cathy Richman
