February is Parent Recognition Month. Strengthening Families Washington, of the Department of Early Learning for Washington State, believes there is no better way to recognize a parent, grandparent, foster or adoptive parent than by acknowledging the numerous and impressive things they do to strengthen their family and those around them in their community.
Seattle's Child is proud to sponsor the Washington Unsung Hero Awards, recognizing our everyday heroes and honoring the important role caregivers play in children's lives. There are 28 nominees for the 28 days of February, and Seattle's Child will highlight each and every one.
Congratulations to the Unsung Hero for February 21
Kristen and Jeremy Lee – Spokane
Kristen and Jeremy became foster parents when they were unable to have a child of their own. Skylar came into their lives as a newborn thanks to his biological mom (whom they include in their lives). Next came Laney, biological mom's story not involved, however all of Laney's six siblings and grandparent are in her life. Then one day Kristen came to me and said after all these years we're pregnant and they had Cora come into their lives and she's involved in everyone's lives.
The amount of love these two have was shown to me about three weeks ago as my husband and I have the great pleasure of being the child care providers for Kristen and Jeremy. Kristen picked up the girls and said their case worker was coming over as they were renewing their foster license. I thought the family was complete and told her that. She smiled and said but if Laney's mom has another, we can't not welcome that baby into our family. This couple not only shares their love with these amazing children but both work in the school district as special education teachers, a job which has many many rewards but is also very hard and very stressful.
You cannot tell which of their three children share their blood (well except Cora is the spitting image of Jeremy), as far as how they care for their children. We rent our downtown Carrousel every year for the holidays and this past year we sat at our party and Miss Laney came in with the most beautiful pink twirly dress (twirly dresses are pretty important at our daycare right now). I asked, "Where did you get that twirly dress?" She smiled and said, "My daddy." I have done child care for 28 years; I have had foster parents, foster/adopt parents and parents, but Kristen and Jeremy top my list as the best parents. Please do something special for them.
Nominator: Kathryn Curryer
