Published: May 10, 2008 10:03 pm            

A special day for Forman

A mother’s love is something special and this Mother’s Day is no different for Kim Forman who is the foster parent for 12 children in her home.

Over the past nine years Kim and Bob Forman, of Orange have opened their hearts and doors to more than 60 foster children needing a place to call home.

Sometimes the children who arrive on their doorstep have “issues,” Some have gone through the system and this is their last hope at being in a home before going to a facility. Sometimes they are referred to as the “unlovable” but that is until Kim Forman enters their lives.

Forman says teenagers are the hardest, but it is through love and understanding that she gets through to their heart. She tries to make every child special each in their own unique way. “They come to us as broken children,” Forman said. “We mend broken hearts, but the biggest thing is preparing them for independent living.”

However, she added it is through the eyes of the children that she can see just how far she has come since she too had “issues” growing up.

Forman’s “children” range in age from 13 to 18 years old. As in most homes, the boys have the heartier appetites.

Forman says she spends about $2,000 to $3000 on groceries and cleaning supplies monthly. Dinner is an event at the Forman home as they cook eight pounds of ground meat and add eight boxes of Hamburger Helper for an evening meal. She says holidays are hectic, to say the least, with the busy house bursting at the seams. She starts preparing days in advance for holiday meals and has been known to bake up to 25 pies for the big day.

Not only does she have her current foster children at the home, but also some visit from years past. To her they are all her children and have come “home” for the holidays. While other former foster children routinely visit and are a welcome member of the family any day of the week.

The normal trials and tribulations are the same as with most “mommas” Forman said. However, it is just multiplied.

As with many households with teenagers there is prom and getting the girl’s hair done, shopping for dresses or maybe a tuxedos for the boys. Additionally there is also homecoming and graduations to attend too. In 2009 there will be five high school students graduating.

But like in any household with a loving mother it is all done as any parent would do— with a smile on her face and love in her heart.

To keep the house running smoothly, the children have chores and laundry days. For additional chores the children receive extra allowance money while others have outside jobs.

Things are not always smooth at the house. With teenagers comes chaos and trying times. But, the Formans are very active in their church and see the good in the children when others may not.

It is at the end of the day when Forman can relax in the 10 bedroom and four bathroom house, that she can take the time and reflect how great it feels to hear the words, “thanks Mom” or an occasional “I love you” that makes it all worthwhile.



Reach this reporter at 409-883-3571, Ext. 2613, or dschamber@orangeleader.com

        

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