Week One: meet the parents

A distraught mother cried into the phone begging me to get the Social Worker to bring her baby back. It was awkward. I didn't even know what she was talking about. Calling to set up my first "Big Brother" mentoring appointment was nerve-wracking enough. But apparently, Daniel, was getting used to his first week in foster care. So I wouldn't be meeting his parents, after all.

The foster care mom treated me like a Godsend. Not only could I come and see Daniel, she unabashedly asked that I bring along the other foster kid, Jared, as well. Just this once. She had some errands to run and really could use the favor. I went along.

Daniel and Jared were waiting expectantly outside for my arrival. Jared had filled Daniel in on what it meant to have a mentor and how lucky he was. They both pounced from a bush to surprise me when I arrived, and only then asked if I was Chad, not yet really even knowing what I looked like. It was obvious we were going to get along well. It can be difficult for me to get out of myself in meeting a stranger. They, however, were so willing to be outgoing and meet someone new, but who wouldn't be excited to escape their daily strife even just for one hour I could give each week. (to be continued)