DCFYI

This four letter word seems to be what everyone tends to seek but just like the formation of a pearl it's rather difficult and doesn't happen by itself. A pearl forms when an unknown irritant - usually a parasite - works its way into a clam’s mouth. As a defense mechanism, a fluid is used to coat the irritant. Layer upon layer of this coating, called 'nacre,' is deposited until a lustrous pearl is formed. To get this pearl one must first search the very depths of the sea to retrieve it. And then wrestle ever so hard to get that clam's mouth open. 

As members of the Board of Directors of Family & Youth Initiative, we are often in the background. You may see us at the annual Establishing Roots fundraiser or at a volunteer appreciation event. However, many of us aren’t long-time volunteers, mentors, or host parents and in fact, some of us have only been to a few DCFYI events.

One thing that takes a while – after those first few months where you wonder both a) will my child ever love me like a mom? and b) will my child ever stop testing me? (and one could argue that the former proves the latter…) – is the recognition that your child does have other family and you need to be comfortable with that fact.