PA Testimonials
 I Can See the Sunshine!!
I believe there is a song entitled, “I Can See the Sunshine.” It reminds me of my life, and sharing that with you, whether, mentors, foster parents, or a child, seemed the right thing to do!
To go back just a bit, I was one of six siblings, and was taken under the protection of CPS when I was 4 year old. For many reasons, we were transferred out of our home, and put in the care of several foster homes over three years. Some of us did not see each other again until I was 30 years old. I saw my natural parents just once, during my college years. There were no Birthday celebrations, Christmas, or special times that I can remember. I became a very silent child, thinking it was the safer decision.
Most of my foster home days were spent in a 2 bedroom home with 8 additional foster children, one of whom was my brother, just older than I. There are many, many stories I could share! At seven and nine years old, we were adopted, and grew up together. It was a very strict, disciplined environment, and a challenging adjustment, especially for my brother. However, there were special times, and certainly a family atmosphere we would not have enjoyed in the original environment. After living in a very small house, I was just sure I had moved to a castle! It was actually a very small home in a small town, but it was a home.
Through the years, I have wondered at times, what kept us so strong. As I completed school, married, was widowed at a very young age, re-married, and raised my own family, I have been able to find joy in life. Something caused me to make a choice at a young age, to “see the sunshine,” behind the clouds. I personally know that, no matter what happens in life, there is hope for a bright future. No matter what the circumstances, challenges, sorrows, there is also hope. Is it easy?…definitely not! Sometimes it is a moment by moment decision, but in the long run, it makes life a much better place to be.
Through the challenges you endure, whatever your circumstances, I encourage you to make the “Sunshine decision.” ……and then pass it on by being a mentor, foster parent, or at least an example to those around you!
- Carol Kratz
"I reached out to Parenting Arizona for help and learned that even though
I was divorced, there was hope that I could still be an active father and share
love with my children."
- Norm, PA Parent
"I feel a true sense of satisfaction when I can ease someone else's burden.
It may be just by listening or by directing them to resources that can help them.
We get so caught up in our busy lives that sometimes we forget that there are
others who hurt. PA reminds me to care."
- Support Group Volunteer
"Through Parenting Arizona I learned that admitting I had a problem wasn't
the end of my chance for a happy life, it was only the beginning."
- Arlene, PA Parent
"As a volunteer for Parenting Arizona, I receive my greatest satisfaction
when the lights go on for clients. By that I mean the moment of awareness when
they realize there are other and better ways to parent their children."
- Nurturing Program Volunteer
"I cannot praise this program enough! It has changed our family life,
but even more importantly, it has changed me by causing me to re-evaluate my own
child rearing methods. In fact, it has made me the mother I am today."
- Janice, PA Parent
"I feel the few hours I spend each month is a minimal gift of time. And
maybe, just maybe, one less child will be hurt because a parent was able to get
help when he or she needed it. That thought makes it all worthwhile."
- Family Lifeline Volunteer
"Parenting Arizona is where mommy goes to be a better mommy."
- Lisa, PA Child
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