SUPER PARENTS If you are of the opinion that you and your spouse might qualify to be called “super parents”, think again. Alasdair McGregor, who writes in the Norwich, England “Evening News 24”,(today May 31st) of Lee and Sue Tutton who hold that title for giving foster home care to over sixty boys and girls in the past decade, in addition to raising three of their own.
The experiences of this Tivetshall St. Mary couple are genuine. Both have experienced turbulent lives and know, first-hand, what it can be for a children growing up in foster homes. They got started when Sue's younger sister -fifteen at the time- ran away from her foster home and came to stay with them. Social Services suggested steps to be taken whereby they could legally become foster parents and she became the first of the sixty who have stayed with them.
McGregor has set forth one of the few articles on this subject which tells both the good and the not-so-good ciao good information concerning g it. Lee and Sue Tutton, married sixteen years, have been honest, sincere and realistic since the day they started. It does take money and anyone who even thinks of it as an income-producing business is dreaming. Lee owns the “K&S Limo” service and Sue owns the “L&s Bridal Wear” shop, in nearby Diss. Lee says” he grew up with five brothers and sisters in his time, three dads and several uncles. ...so , in some ways,” he says, “ I know where the kids are coming from.” Sue Tutton grew up in London pubs and she has said often that if they give a child a happy, relaxed home and they choose o stay with us it is a big boost for all of us.”
They speak of changes in the children - no two exactly alike - and lament the few who have run afoul of the Law. They beam with pride when they speak of the accomplishments of those who have prospered in their extended family. Now, after a decade of more child rearing, it must be truly a family which if growing in number. I was unaware that English regulations forbid foster parents from contacting their charges once they have left their home for a new one, or to return to that of their real parents.
If you are in any way connected with foster homes and the care of children in need, urge you to take time to visit the Norwich paper: http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk.
Read the article: ”Meet the proud parents of 65 kids.” As soon as this page is on line, I am doing a “Thank you” note to Alasdair McGregor who is by-lined in the Norwich paper with his URL:al.mcgregor@archant.co.uk.
A.L.M. May 31, 2005 [c473wds]
