This Week...

Posted Thursday, August 7, 2008, at 9:29 AM

This week I was inspired by Linton resident, Bobbi Leigh, as she told me about her call to foster parenting.

She had that call as a teenager.

But, her first recollection of having a foster friend was when she was 3 years old.

Growing up she befriended several foster kids at church and at summer camp and that's when she realized that they were just like her.

And even more amazing is that she never stopped following her heart.

Since 2000, Bobbi and her husband, Dennis, have fostered over 30 children. Many of them are from our community.

One thing that resonated throughout my conversation with Bobbi was her answer to others who have wondered how she can be a foster parent.

"People always ask me 'How can you do that?' My answer is how can you not do it. Somebody's got to do it," she said.

And yes, sometimes it is hard, Bobbi admitted.

But, the good outweighs the bad.

Thank you Bobbi for offering your heart warming story and for making a difference.

The Leigh family has given hope and inspiration to children who have lost everything they have ever known. But, that hope did not stop there. It continued when they were willing to work with the families of these children.

This is how she explained that revelation.

"Going into it (foster parenting) you want to help the child. But, the most important thing is to not only help the child but to also help the child's family. You have to be willing to help the entire family."

That takes a selfless kind of love.

Through my conversation with Bobbi I was given a gift. The Leigh family has reminded me to listen to my heart.

And that was just what I needed.

Comments
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America I agree with some of what you say, specifically, "Family preservation is the best choice". However, I see only criticisms and no solutions or answers in your post. Perhaps you could share your ideas to fix this "out of control" system.

-- Posted by POP on Thu, Aug 7, 2008, at 8:14 PM

Place the children in the homes of athiest parents who live within walking distance of a Christian church, a Jewish temple, and a Muslim mosque.

And, an Irish pub.

-- Posted by GarthHudson on Thu, Aug 7, 2008, at 9:12 PM

Bobbi is a wonderful woman who is doing a wonderful thing. I hope her mission is a great success. On another topic, it's nice to see Timberly's editor is allowing comments on her blog again. You know something is successful when it's so popular that all kinds of people comment -- even when the editor has to restrain them.

-- Posted by Paul on Fri, Aug 8, 2008, at 8:38 AM

america,I don't know you,but I have read a lot of your comments on different articles in the paper and I'm not quite sure what to think of you.I would like to say you are a complete idiot,but that isn't nice.

-- Posted by scmom on Mon, Aug 11, 2008, at 7:22 AM

America, at least you have a sense or humor. I'm sure you are a really nice person,but I just can't quite figure you out sometimes.you sure do leave me scratching my head sometimes after reading your posts. lol

-- Posted by scmom on Mon, Aug 11, 2008, at 2:02 PM

hey I actually agree with you on this one lol

-- Posted by scmom on Wed, Aug 13, 2008, at 5:24 PM

I had a foster friend when I was a kid and I really would love to get back in touch with her. Does anyone know or remember Robin Marusek?

-- Posted by Fabulous on Fri, Aug 15, 2008, at 3:12 PM

If this was posted Aug. 7, the blog shouldn't be called This Week ...

-- Posted by Paul on Tue, Aug 26, 2008, at 3:27 PM

Anyone who would be interested in becoming a Foster Parent can call 812-659-2533 for Marcie Dierdorf. Open Arms Family Family and Educational Services trains and licenses foster parents. There are a lot of great organizations in the community that offer training services. Anyone who feels that this is their calling should go for it! You could make the difference in the life of a child!

-- Posted by Fabulous on Thu, Aug 28, 2008, at 1:08 PM

Was this her last blog?

-- Posted by Paul on Mon, Sep 1, 2008, at 10:29 PM

God, I would hope this isn't Timberly's last blog! She actually speaks for those who are shoved into corners by closed minded uneducated life suckers that only see in black and white. There are so many gray areas to be explored, and I am very thankful for Timberly's point of view.

As for Bobbi, she is a wonderful person! Thank you for giving children a safe place. When with Bobbi they don't have to worry about being hit, seeing a parent use drugs, being neglected, and not being protected. Bobbi your a Saint!

-- Posted by pickleonthesunset on Mon, Sep 8, 2008, at 8:28 PM

Sometimes bloggers just get tired of blogging.

-- Posted by Paul on Fri, Sep 19, 2008, at 9:23 AM

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