Featured Fathers

Dean, and wife Ann, raised 3 biological children and nearly 20 foster children. The foster youth, ages 9-18, lived with them at different times ranging from a few days to 5 years. Taking teens into their home on an emergency placement basis provided Dean and Ann many opportunities to show love and set limits.

For Dean, it included setting pots and pans on the stairway to alert them to a runaway teen or requiring teens to do farm chores in the early morning hours after an all-nighter. Attending church together, prayer at every meal, physical fitness competitions after supper, teaching teens to drive were all ways that Dean modeled respect and self-control. Being a foster parent also meant going to court, committing a young person to treatment, waiting at the hospital after a teen’s accident.

Dean was openly affectionate with a ready smile and laugh, warm handshakes and ‘bear’ hugs for both men and women. He died of cancer in 1992. His oldest foster son tells the story well with this eulogy:

"DAD"
Our father has brought us to this day,
Through life in a special way.
With the touch of his gentle hand,
We are able to make our own stand.
We search the corners of our mind,
And savor each treasure that we find.
To remember times of yesteryear,
Sometimes a smile or a little tear.
I remember the callous hands
From work you loved so much,
But always there with a gentle touch.
The voice that gave a strict command,
Yet comforting words to your fellow man.
You taught us the beauty of a flower,
And to enjoy each precious hour.
You taught us how to pray,
And give thanks for each new day.
When the time draws near that will leave us sad,
We remember the smiles, hugs, love and times not bad.
We look up to heaven so far above,
To our Father with arms reaching out in love.
I can never repay your kindness to a teenage kid,
Or thank you enough for the helpful words you said.
Dad, till you are better paid,
All I can do is simply say,
"Dad, I love you!"

--Ron Brown