She asked me one time, “Would you take me to the hospital if I fall and hit my head?”

I told her many times, “Yes, I will be there all night with you.”

She wasn’t my child, rather a child I worked with. She had no family. She had no one to call her own. She was a foster child. I was new in her life and yet we instantly shared this bond and connection. I was her support worker. Foster children were stigmatized as bad kids. I told my girlfriend, “There is no such thing as a bad kid. Circumstances make them act differently. They just need a sense of belonging and love.”

The unthinkable happened. Kaydra had fallen off the shelving unit she would often climb when upset. My shift was done. I received a phone call at home. I was told Kaydra had slipped, fallen, and hit her head on the countertop. As promised, I rushed to the hospital.

The burning smile on her face could have lit a million candles. Instantly, she jumped out of hospital bed and ran to hug me. “You came.”

My reply, “Of course. I promised I would be there for you if anything happens. I love you with all my heart.” These words fostered a relationship. I spent the night reading books to Kaydra and playing connect four. The next morning, all ready to leave the hospital, Kaydra turned to me and said, “Thank you for caring.”

Kaydra, after being driven back to the foster home and stepping out of the vehicle, turned to me with tears rolling down her cheeks. “Why did you stay the night? You went home after your shift.”

With a gleaming smile, giving her a big hug and a kiss on her forehead, the next words changed both of our lives. “You had no family before, but you’re my family now.”

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    Fuji
    Fuji(@fuji)
    1 year ago

    Hello Christopher – What a gentle, sweet story to help us all start the New Year. Your protagonist is the best kind of support worker, and he and Kaydra are lucky to have found each other. Welcome to Voice.club! Looking forward to more of your stories in the future.

    Thompson Emate
    Thompson Emate(@thompson-emate)
    1 year ago

    Wow! I love this story. It’s full of love and compassion. A desire of most people. Thank you Christopher. Welcome to voice.club. Welcome to the family.

    Melissa Taggart
    Melissa Taggart(@melissa-taggart)
    1 year ago

    This is a lovely story, Christopher. I also believe there is no such thing as a bad kid, indeed it is circumstances. The last line had me in almost tears because it is so beautiful. Great work!

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    1 year ago

    Hi, Christopher. Your story is really touching. I almost burst into tears. This line – “You had no family before, but you’re my family now” is very meaningful and tearful. It was a great first story.

    Welcome to Voice club.

    Paul Lewthwaite
    Paul Lewthwaite(@paul-lewthwaite)
    1 year ago

    Hi Christopher, welcome! I think everyone has said it already. A fantastically uplifting story that restores faith in humanity and you really hope happens in real life. Thank you.

    Linda Rock
    Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
    1 year ago

    A story that goes straight to the heart Christopher. Your protagonist’s words ‘there is no such thing as a bad kid’ is so true, all that is ever needed is love. And Kaydra has certainly found that now. Nicely done.

    Carrie OLeary
    Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
    1 year ago

    Hi Christopher, welcome to Voice Club. This story is wonderful, emotional and heart-warming. Very nicely done.

    Sabrina Barrera
    Sabrina Barrera(@sabrina-barrera)
    1 year ago

    Awesome story. Super proud of your work, and the deep emotions you invested in this.
    Appreciate you sharing! LU

    Alan Kemister
    Alan Kemister(@alan-kemister)
    1 year ago

    Hello, beautiful and poignant story. Nothing I can add to what all the others have already said.
    Tiny point: there seems to be something wrong with what Kaydra says in the penultimate paragraph.

    Marianna Pieterse
    Marianna Pieterse(@marianna-pieterse)
    1 year ago

    Christopher, I totally agree with what everyone else said. This is such a beautiful, touching story. I also agree with the line, “There is no such thing as a bad kid.” Beautifully said. I am happy that Kaydra found a family who cared for her the way kids deserve to be cared for. Great story.

    Christer Norrlof
    Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
    1 year ago

    Congratulations to a heartwarming and very well written story, Christopher. It illustrates the difference between working within caregiving and caring for somebody in a real way.

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