When you become a foster mom, you are giving a child a home, love, and a chance at a happy life.
Every joyful moment is tinged with the knowledge of how precious they are when you become a foster mom. Because one day, you know you may have to say goodbye.
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Every smile, every coo, every peek-a-boo moment, and every snuggle is a precious moment of love that Linda Owens is well aware of but to her, it’s well worth it. This inspiring 78-year-old woman has become a foster mom to more than 80 babies in her lifetime. And she’s currently caring for her 81st baby.
Linda gets up every morning to prep bottles, baby food, and get stacks of diapers ready to go for the day. It doesn’t matter that she was already up most of the night for the 2 a.m. feedings. She smiles and snuggles her baby girl despite feeling sleep deprived because she knows God put her on this earth for this purpose.
"This is what God's handed me a gift to do," she said.
For the last 34 years, she’s become a foster mom for so many. And she’s literally saved the life of every child that’s come into her home.
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Even though she doesn’t know how long she will have them -- whether it’s 24 hours or eighteen months -- Linda Owens treats every child that comes through her door as her own. She knows all she can do is, "I can give her a kiss on the forehead and wish her the best, and say, 'I love you,'" she said when it’s time to say goodbye.
But that’s okay with Linda. She knows she’s given each and every baby in her care the best possible start in life.
Even though 81 children sounds like a lot, Linda Owens remembers each and every one. She remembers their quirks, their personalities, and what made them smile and what helped in their fussy moments.
In fact, she still keeps in touch with some of the babies that are anywhere between the ages of tweens to full-grown adults. This makes it all worth it.
God calls all of us to love and to sacrifice for the sake of others even when it hurts. And Linda can’t help but feel a piece of her heart leaving with each child adopted or returned to their family. What a beautiful labor of love. Being a foster parent is difficult but her love will stay with each child forever. We praise Linda for answering the call and going above and beyond each time she becomes a foster mom.
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"Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father." Matthew 18:10
h/t: People
Featured Image Credit: Youtube/KPIX CBS SF Bay Area