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 16: Thomas Harris – Bellingham, WA:
Mr. Harris is one of the most caring and hard working grandparents I have ever met. He does what he needs to do to help ensure his grandchildren are ok and cared for. He has moved into the home of his grandchildren's father to help care for them and stayed there helping with what ever he could for several years. Then when the children moved to his daughters care, he rides the bus or walk for miles to get to her house to help her learn how to parent, be helpful in anyway he can by cooking, entertaining, teaching both his daughter and his grandsons about being a family and helping one another. He has gone out and searched highways for miles collecting cans for money to help in anyway he can with any extra cost that come up in the care of his grandchildren. Mr. Harris' daughter has not had to opportunity to parent for many years and now that she is caring for all three of her children ages 1 year – 7 years, she is trying to catch up. Thomas is patient, helpful and willing to teach his daughter anyway he can. When you see him with his daughter and grandchildren his face is serene and full of love. His grandchildren love and trust him very much and thy know they are safe with their grandfather. He is a loveing man.
Nominator: Kenda Bjerkness