Another Place at the Table

A compelling look at the love and shape of one family over the years.

As someone who is interested in being a foster patent and/or adopting, this book went on my to-read list because I figured it would paint a better picture o what it takes to be a foster family. That it did! After finishing the book, my desire to serve vulnerable children only increased and has also become more realistic. The author is super honest about what she and her family has experienced, describing their failures and successes. She talks about the children she has fostered and adopted, describing their heartbreaking stories of victims of physical/emotional/sexual abuse, neglect, instability, abandonment... It's heartbreaking to think of all the children in the foster system who are victims, some to even become perpetrators themselves because they're unable to get the help and care they need.

While it is clear that Kathy, her husband Bruce and their biological children all had hearts for vulnerable children, it was interesting to see them draw the line when a child was or was not a right fit for their family. They were able to say “no” in considering what was best for the child - a discipline that I can see being difficult and perhaps even guilt-ridden if not practiced well as a foster family. I think there may have even been times, however, when “no” could have been said more - it's crazy to think how many children were in Kathy's home at one time! Perhaps this speaks to the dire need for loving and intentional families willing to foster children.

Absolutely worth reading, especially for anyone wanting a glimpse of what a foster family and children and the system look like.