Dan and Linda Schuhmacher, two long-time foster parents with C.C.R., capped off their 11 year foster parenting “careers” with the adoptions of two children, their final two foster children. The time, energy, and commitment that Dan and Linda gave to C.C.R. over the course of those years are invaluable to the agency. The following is what Dan and Linda themselves had to say about their experience.
“What comes to mind when you hear “Precious Moments”? Well, for Dan and me it brings to mind a few things. I, for one, in the past have collected the Precious Moments figurines. Secondly, I think of all the times I have spent with loved ones & what “precious moments” those are. But, the third thing that comes to mind is one of the most remembered and it is a significant part of foster parenting.
Eleven years ago, we stumbled across an ad in the paper imploring the need for foster parents (sure wish I still had it) and that is how it all began. How quickly those years passed by and how bittersweet it is that our journey as foster parents ultimately came to a close. Over the course of those 11 years, we were blessed to have touched the lives of 27 different children and the greater miracle is that five of them are now adopted as our own – they are now Schuhmachers. Our time as foster parents was filled with all the emotion one could ever experience and we attribute our success in part to a wonderful agency that was established by Dan Simon and supported by his wife, Mary, to both of whom we express our deepest gratitude. Dan’s vision of what treatment foster care should be was, and continues to be, amazing.
We also recognize our awesome Case Manager, Jayne Foster, who we were fortunate enough to work with for the entire11 years that we fostered. Jayne was “a rock” throughout our journey as foster parents; I struggle to express what an important part she was, and how very much we appreciated everything she did for us. I know I do not need to tell you how lucky C.C.R. is to have her. Then, there is Mary and Brian with referrals…always knowing what would work with our family and, of course, answering all the questions we had. Patty & Sharon both played such significant roles too and, even though they were the “behind the scenes” ladies, we were so thankful for both of them. We were also touched by getting to know other foster parents, with whom we formed many friendships. Of course, we have been touched by other staff and workers at C.C.R. who will not be forgotten for their role in each placement. So, to all of you at C.C.R., we thank you for everything. It was truly our blessing to have been a part of this “family.” But, before I close… you might be wondering what does this have to do with Precious Moments? When we signed on, we had a curio full of Precious Moments figurines. At the time, Alex (a Supervisor) and Jayne had discussed amongst themselves as to how long that would last once we started getting placements….Yep, you guessed it, it’s STILL STANDING…just as it did eleven years ago….and, C.C.R., you WILL ALWAYS be a PRECIOUS MOMENT to us!”
