THANKING TRUE HEROES

“And the king shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40)

I think the only time I’ve posted something on this blog that WASN’T my work was a piece about the new Natick Mall (“Natick Collection”) written by my son Jon.  Today, I’m posting another piece that I did not write.  

The following comes from the program of the “23rd Annual Foster & Adoptive Parent Recognition Awards Brunch” which was given by the Massachusetts Department of Social Services and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children in partnership with the Massachusetts Alliance for Families.  About 40 foster families were honored at this event including my wife’s brother Donnie Gardiner and his wife Andria.  Donnie and Andria live in Quincy and are extraordinary foster parents.  They’re very “down to earth” people who are not used to awards and accolades and do not seek fame or fortune.  Thus I thought it would be fitting to share word-for-word what the program says of Donnie and Andria Gardiner:

     “The Gardiners are an extraordinary team who have provided the Coastal Office with years of dedication, inspiration, support and passion.  They began as child specific foster parents and were able to grow and learn with the youth who stayed with them until she aged out of the system.  Because of this experience, they wanted to further explore their options regarding our foster care program.  They had wonderful relationships with family resource staff and were excited and full of promise when they asked about MAPP training.  During the sessions, they provided terrific insight and networked with other foster parents.
     The ink was barely dry on their unrestricted license when an adolescent female needed placement.  The Gardiners opened their doors for a temporary placement and ended up providing a long-term placement and forever connection to this youth.  Just weeks after she was placed, they were asked if they would provide short-term care for a little boy.  Andria and Donnie are now in the process of adopting this child.  During the last five years, Andria and Donnie have provided long term and emergency placements.  When the Coastal Office has no where to turn, Donnie and Andria are always a phone call away.
     The Gardiners are down to earth and have a special connection with everyone they come in contact with.  Their dedication has not only come through with their support of foster children in their home but also within the Office.  For the past three years, Donnie and Andria have generously donated items and gifts for the Area’s Annual Foster Children’s Holiday Party and Foster Parent/Partnership Dinner.  The Gardiners knew that financial support for emergency expenses  was very slim.  Donnie spearheaded the first annual “Touch a Truck” event to support the “Friends of Foster Care”.  With Donnie’s ingenuity and finesse the event was a great success.  There were over 25 vehicles and it was a child’s dream come true.  Donnie worked the entire event that beautiful October day despite not having slept in several days.  Donnie not only is a foster parent but he is a crucial employee for the Red Sox organization.  His career is very demanding but this past year was extraordinary as the Red Sox were in the playoffs and won the World Series!
     Their worker writes their inspiration has moved her to be a better person, social worker and advocate.  It is with great joy and gratitude that we honor Donnie and Andria Gardiner with this year’s highest recognition!”

There is also a quote elsewhere in the program from Jennifer Kitchenham who writes, “The Gardiner’s inspiration has moved me to be a better person, social worker and advocate.”

In closing I’m proud to be related to Donnie and Andria Gardiner and I celebrate and validate them here as true heroes!