I feel absolutely awful that I'm just now writing this... but life took me far away and has kept me very busy. I think that's a terrible excuse, as I thought so much about Dwayne and Judy over the years, but I just didn't think to reach out. And I will always regret that.
My memories of my young adult life brought me back here, and I'm sad to see he's gone. I've always remembered Dwayne and Judy so fondly. I was one of their foster kids way back in the early 90's for a short time, and they provided me with stability and safety and when I finally loosened up and allowed it to happen, fun and love, during my stay with them. We didn't always see eye to eye, but from the minute they accepted me into their home, I felt safe and cared for in a way that I never had. And Dwayne was such a kind, funny, easygoing man despite his traumatizing past experiences... and Judy was just the person to give the tough love and firm guidance that I didn't want, but desperately needed.
I deeply regret not keeping in touch, but I want their family to know that I firmly believe these two remarkable people saved my life in a way, by opening their home to me and teaching me about respect, accountability, stability and the value of helping others. I've carried that throughout my life and passed it on, and I just want someone to know how much I value these people even if I didn't express that enough to them when I had the chance. I'll always look back with love on these sweet souls and will forever treasure the building blocks that they were instrumental in providing to someone who thought she was a lost cause.
Things work out funny sometimes, and they probably had no idea that I would go on to thrive in life and carry their passion for helping others forward...but I did. And the relatively short time that they cared for me meant the world to me, even if it took me a long time to recognize it. XOXOX
