We all know that there are good adoption workers, and some that are not so good. I have been blessed to have some really good ones. We still stay in touch with the worker who placed Sammy with us, even though she has left the department and moved to another part of the state. She remembers Sammy’s birthday every year.

The workers who placed Kory and Mackenzie with us were the best of the best. When we went through our abuse investigation they went to bat for us. They did not want the children moved and truly cared about them. They wanted to do everything possible to preserve our family, because they knew how much we loved the kids. One is now retired and the other, a man under the age of 40, passed away from a heart attack last summer.

There are many kids who have lost out not having these three workers on their cases anymore, and many parents who will never know the benefit of having a worker who cares about both the kids and the parents on their side.

Do you have, or know of a good worker? Thank them this month. The good workers put in many hours and work more cases than they can handle, but they do it because they love kids.

There are many ways that you can thank your worker.

Thank you note – A simple note from a grateful person can make anyone’s day. How do you feel if you receive a thank you note from someone when you weren’t expecting it?

Restaurant gift card – Most workers spend a lot of time on the road. I know the workers we dealt with put on many miles in a day. We live in a rural area so they travel a good distance between appointments, which can mean meals on the road or through the drive through. Having someone else pick up the tab once in a while can be a great help.

Delivery to the office – Everyone likes to have things delivered to them. I know when I am in an office building or a medical office and see someone getting a flower delivery I am usually jealous (yes, I have my flaws). We all like to get something special. You can have flowers balloons, cookies, chocolates or other goodies delivered to the worker at the office.

Something home made – I have recently started doing cake decorating. I have done cakes for several friends for their birthdays, and recently for our pastors’ going away party. The look of joy and gratitude on each persons face was worth all the work. Make a cake, some cookies, a pie or other goodies. If you have a particular talent such as needlework or art, make something for your worker. The time and energy put into the gift will mean a lot.

Donation to a children’s charity – Since the workers love kids, making a donation to a charity that benefits children would be a wonderful way to acknowledge what they do and the contributions they make.

I’m sure you can think of other things on your own. You have probably spent some time with the worker to know personal tastes, likes and dislikes. It’s not the amount of the gift, but it truly is the thought that counts.

Photo credit - A cookie and chocolate bouquet I made