'One Child'

  I was very young, thirteen years old, when I got out the big huge phone book, (you know the ones we used as booster seats), combing through it searching and calling places, looking for a place I could volunteer helping children.

  I was compelled to help after reading Torey Hayden's 'One Child'. I was young, but I was completely fascinated with this outstanding teachers way with the children. How just one caring person could make such a huge difference.

  The only place I could find that will let a thirteen year old volunteer is The Red Cross. They offer a 'candy striper' training course so I took it. I could then volunteer at our local hospital. They could not guarantee I would work with children, but I was still excited. It ends up that I would have to be around when deliveries came in because that was the only time they really needed a volunteer for pediatrics. It was still a lot of fun. Delivering flowers to the elderly was the best!

  I went on to read all of Torey Hayden's books. Her books had a clear hand in shaping my future life. Have you read any of them? What about Dave Pelzer's 'A Child called It'? Cathy Glass? She writes about everyday life as a foster parent. There are many more, but these are at the top of my list.


“How come you ain’t staying to make me good?” And Torey replies, “Because it isn’t me that makes you good. It’s you. I’m only here to let you know that someone cares if you are good or not. That someone cares what happens to you. And it won’t matter where I am, I still will always care.” 
http://www.torey-hayden.com/one_child.htm