[zebramom]

T's foster mom called me this afternoon. He is headed to respite and will not return to her home. It is becoming very volitile between him and one of the other boys there. T will be in respite until he moves into his new home on Friday.

She has been so awesome to us, I'd like to do something to thank her. She actually apologized to me today that she wasn't able to help him more. Geez, I couldn't have asked for anyone better for him.

Any suggestions on what I can do for her? There are 2 others boys in the house who will be there for at least another year or 2. The town they live in is relativly small (around 15,000 people) and about 45 miles away from the nearest "major" city. There is another slightly larger town about 15 minutes away that has some nice restaurants and stuff, but nothing really exciting.

I just can't think of anything adequate to convey how much we appreciate everything she has done for us.

[scandi]

I sent a nice letter to my youngest foster mom. I would have sent one to the agency she was with but they left that agency shortly after I got my son home. Maybe a glowing letter to the agency or licensing dept - straight to the director so that it hits the top.

[chelspark1]

Didn't know if you wanted to do something along these lines but how about a Visa Gift Card or an American Express Card?
This way she can spend it where ever they accept those cards.

[chelspark1]

Meant to say American Express Gift Card.

[waited2long]

I think a gift from your hands and heart would be best. Aren't you the one that makes those great desserts??
Maybe a Gingerbread House?

[momraine]

A cake would probably be awesome, maybe surprise her on her birthday if you know it, or offer to make a cool cake for one of her son's birthday's. If there is a pizza place that delivers, I have loved getting gift certificates for them, because then on those nights when I don't feel like cooking I can just order pizza! I also like the letter idea, one to her and one two her supervisor.

[tybeemarie]

I think one of your prayer shawls would be a lovely and personal gift, accompanied by a letter of heartfelt thanks. She really was great and your son is one tough cookie. I am sure this wonderful woman is not thanked as she should be very often. You will be a wonderful exception to the general thanklessness of the tough job of being a foster parent.

[Barksum]

A nice 'home spa' kind of gift basket with those lavender bath salts, special hand and foot lotion, an uplifting paperback to read while soaking, etc...she needs to be pampered for all her hard work.

Roses, or other flowers, delivered.

Gift cards (as one who lives out in the tullies, gift cards that can be spent on-line are great).

A 'dinner basket' with mixes (home made or store bought) for the appetizer, the salad (say, nice dressing seasonings), the main dish, and dessert. Having dinner almost made is really wonderful.

AND of course a hand-written note expressing how thankful you've been to have her be your Ds's foster mom.

You are both thoughtful AND creative, so I'm sure what you give will be lovely.

[zebramom]

Thanks everyone. It's great to have input from those who are not emotionally involved.

I don't know why the prayer shawl never crossed my mind. Maybe because I was looking for something "large" that would signify the enormity of appreciation I feel fro her.

Her birthday is the beginning of December. I think I will do the shawl, a cake and a letter to her and the foster care worker.

I wish I could afford to do everything you have all suggested. It might come close to showing my thanks.

Thanks for the help!!!

[candylucifer]

I think it is a good idea for you to send gift baskets to her such as gourmet baskets, flower baskets, fruit baskets. What do you think?