Editor's Notes

You would be foolish to deny the magic a new year can bring. It’s just a date on the calendar, right? Just another day in a long succession of days, isn’t it? No. You know it isn’t just another day. You know that encompassed within that day are hopes, dreams and countless possibilities. Even the most cynical among us feels that pang of anticipation in our stomach. 

I hope to keep this short. There is so much good stuff in this issue, I feel like I’m in the way. So, I will try to keep it brief though I have been known to run on. 

I’m a bit of an oddity. I’m adopted. I’m a former foster kid. In that order.

The norm is the reverse order.

Every year, something like 120,000 kids are waiting to be adopted. I had it and it went sideways. I ended up in care and the rest is history.

Because of this, National Adoption Awareness Month hits me a little differently than most. Some adoptees get excited for November, happy to share their story. Others dread the month and all the memories it stirs just before the Holiday Season. I’m in the middle, as I am with most things.

Editor’s Note: I read an article that explored the fact that suicide among the younger population was at a ten year high. I felt compelled to bring back a few pieces that have been in the magazine before about the subject.

It’s an important topic. I want to be sure you have some tools to combat it if you should come into contact with a youth you suspect is leaning in that direction. It is combatable. You can help them win the battle. You can make a difference. You can save a life. I want to help you accomplish that.

Can you believe this is my job?

I pinch myself sometimes, surprised that the idea that was in my head is now out in the world and produces enough income for me to live well enough to not need a real job. What a strange luxury.

I had such big ideas in my head. You see, in there, the magazine required a ton of work. A complete overhaul. Then the reality of what I could actually do with my canvas set in. What followed was a month of struggle, frustration and ultimately, not a whole lot of change.

Dr. Stephen Strange is my favorite of all the Marvel Universe heroes. I know everyone goes with Iron Man, Thor or Captain America, but for me, I’ll take the guy who sees all the angles. 

In Infinity War, he goes forward in time in his mind and sees all of the millions of possible outcomes, the Avengers winning in only one. 

Much to my delight, they gave my guy Strange the bulk of the good lines in the movie. And the stand out of those lines became the name of the final movie and my mission statement for the next two years: “We’re in the end game now.”.

(Long sigh…) Welcome to Foster Care Awareness Month. Take 8 for Foster Focus. 

Forgive the appearance of disinterest. The reality couldn’t be further from the truth. I love May. I love learning what foster care groups are passionate about this year. I love the faces of the foster youth in D.C. as they gear up for Shadow Day. I like the fundraisers; the 5k races, the walks, the online campaigns, I love it all. But this is my 8th as an Editor and if I’m ignored the other 11 months, in My, my presence, attention and interest is in high demand! This year wore me out. 

I think I’ve entered the, “Here’s what’s been bothering me all these years.” phase of magazine ownership. 

I did the, “Oh, this is all so new.” portion. The, “Why won’t you people pay me?” portion. (Didn’t like that one. Still don’t.) And the, “You like me! You really like me!” portion. Sally Field aside, I’ve been through seasons with this thing. 8 years is a long time. 

So, here’s what grinds my gears (Family Guy fans?).

Why in the world do we raise awareness about the worst stains of society during the nicest time of year?

I spent 5 years in care. I’ve spent about twice that long, if not longer as an advocate and editor of America’s only monthly foster care publication. It would stand to reason that I’m also a foster parent. I am not.

My reasons are plenty, I haven’t shared any of them in the pages of this magazine. First, you should probably know the reasons I would. I have only two. Maxine and Richard Black, my foster parents. Carrying on their legacy of caring for kids would be the only catalyst to launch me into the world of foster parenting.