...host a huge event for 18 yr old Foster Kids after much planning. Lots of work, and today was a 12+ hour day (again) in order to make it all happen.
There is almost nothing nicer than putting smiles on the face of kids who've had the short end of the stick for too long. It's also nice to tell them they're worth something, and that they can succeed at something, and that there are people who believe in them. And to feed them really nice, fancy food. And to give them a bunch of free stuff.
I also got and gave a lot of hugs today, and got to give a few younger kids some balloons.
Got to see a foster dad weep for love of his foster daughter and speak of the courage she had to disclose the abuse of her and her siblings, which brought them into his life. Beautiful. This one girl, who I had a big hand in saving from horrible abuse and neglect (forced to sleep in animal feces and urine, plus much worse stuff I won't get into) was there, and she just kept hugging me and smiling so big, and she had all these wonderful people there who are there for her and care about her and keep her safe and well.
Lots of complex emotions today, as well as some simple, pure ones. I have a lot to process. I'm also too tired to sleep.