Rome, Georgia has really shown it's commitment to it's families over the past week. I don't often talk about my job because it's not at all fun, or interesting to most people. However, every once in a while I get so surprised that I need to share something about what I do. We have been hurting for foster families in Floyd County for so long. We have over 300 children in foster care - a disproportionately large number for the size of our county - and way too few foster homes. The foster homes that we do have are over-worked and under appreciated. All too often these families are overlooked even though they give up their own personal lives to care for abused and neglected children, day-in and day-out.
Over the past few days, we have had two great events which really showed the heart of our community. Our local EMS provided a breakfast with Santa for nearly 100 foster children and their foster families on Saturday. Santa sat through many pictures and patiently listened to each child's wishes. The paramedics and EMTs talked with each family, held the babies and played with the older children. There was even an "elf" that made balloon animals for all the children. It was great to see the interaction between these children who have been through so much trauma in their short lives, and the EMTs who see trauma every day. Everyone left with a smile at the end of the morning.
Tonight, Troy's Barbecue opened their doors - they are usually only open for breakfast and lunch - and provided dinner for four local foster families. It was a really treat for everyone because not many families with 4+ children get to eat out at a restaurant, and tonight they had the place to themselves! Troy's supplied great food and incredible desserts - and just as we were wrapping up dinner, Santa showed up! The kids were so excited - the restaurant was filled with screams. After pictures with the jolly old man, each child was given a stack of gifts to unwrap. There were more "Baby Alive"s and Heelys than I have ever seen in one place! The greatest part is that the workers of the restaurant bought all of the gifts for the kids! They even filled up the foster parents' cars with more gifts to take home and wrap for Christmas morning! In all, nearly 20 children had a very memorable night, and the foster parents were so grateful.
If you are out and about in the Rome area and run into an EMT, thank them for everything that they do for our community and for the foster children of Floyd County. If you're hungry, go eat at Troy's. They deserve all of the business we can send their way!
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