What is the most gratifying part of doing foster care?

Hello! I'm going to start posting stories that I've collected from foster parents. I hope that by reading them, you will be as inspired! The following is from Ann D.

My most gratifying part foster parenting is being able to console and support children brought into emergency foster care and watching them successfully transition to their next home. Both are equally important.
I've picked up several children from the hospital or Valley of the Moon. The children have ranged in age from 18 months to 4 years old. All of the children have been understandably scared and in shock at the abrupt removal from their parents and the only environment they've known.
I love being able to provide solace to these children, help them through their traumas, and acclimate them to a new environment. This has taken anywhere from one week to one month. It is beautiful to ultimately see a child peacefully go to sleep at night and wake up just as peacefully.
I am equally as happy when I can watch these children comfortably move to their new homes. This can be very difficult because a child may not want to leave a safe environment, may be scared about another change or just may not like the new home. Even when I have been less than enthused about the new home, I feel good about speaking up about what I believe is in the child's best interest when planning a transition. This helps me feel better about preparing the children for a new home and reminds me that I've done my best when I find it difficult to say goodbye.

Through satisfying times and difficult times, I love foster parenting and have been a foster parent for almost 20 years.
Ann D.