Yesterday I said goodbye to my job as a New York foster care worker. It was bittersweet in ways I never expected. Saying goodbye to my clients was more difficult than I expected it to be. Many of these kids have caused sleepless nights and endless stress in my life....and they are the ones I had the hardest time saying goodbye to. I know they will be in good hands, but for two years, they have been in my heart. I have advocated for them, done my best to teach them, tried my hardest to help them see how special they are, ensured that they were well cared for. I have been a teacher, a friend and yes, at times, even a mom. As I worked to serve them, I am left with the feeling that they actually served me. I was taught more patience and persistence and given more capacity to love even when the object of my affection was driving me crazy sometimes. It's interesting how things turn out.