06/30/2021
At 5:30pm today, Foard Family Child Care will close its doors one last time. Over the last 8 years, I have cared for nearly 50 children including my own. Being a small business owner has been both the most challenging and rewarding work I have ever done. I have learned so much about patience, diplomacy, boundaries, sacrifice, hard work, grace and strength. I have learned that self-care is not selfish, it’s survival. I have learned that it’s okay to ask for help. I have learned that not everyone is going to like your boundaries, and that’s okay. I have learned that it is possible to love someone else’s child like they are your own. I have learned that little people who are struggling with big emotions, need us adults to provide calm and not join in their chaos. I have learned that even though some of these little people won’t remember me, I did some really important work in their development and I take that responsibility very seriously. I want to thank all the parents who entrusted me with their most precious gifts, who laughed with me, cried with me, brought me coffee in the morning and wine in the evening and became some of my dearest friends. I want to thank everyone who supported me, worked as one of my highly valued helpers, acted as a listening ear or provided sound advice. Lastly, I want to thank all the kids who let me into their worlds. Little people know how to love big, forgive quickly and play hard, all things I hope to do for the rest of my life.
