When their two kids left their home, Wayne and Sandi Tharrett felt like they still had a lot of parenting left in them, they knew there were many kids in need of love and stability; and they were willing and determined to offer that to these kids. As empty nesters in Columbus, MS and with a lot of love in their hearts, in 2014 they decided they would start their fostering journey.
A year later they moved to Arkansas and they transferred their license. They now live in Union County as foster and adoptive parents. “We‘ve had all ages of kids come to our home and each child has left their mark and changed our life in one way or another”-says Sandi. Fostering has allowed them to see kids in a different light, every child has a story and they are always different.
After two years of fostering, they adopted a beautiful and talented 14yr old girl. That same year, the boy they were fostering became available for adoption and they adopted this handsome 8yr old boy. Now their home is full again.
Sandi explains that The Call and a group of foster parents in the area have been a lot of support for them; they are a phone call or message away, always willing to help.
The Tharretts want to let everyone that is considering fostering know, that offering your home as a safe place is very rewarding, some come for a brief time and some may become permanent, but either way their story is always with you. If you consider fostering and/or adopting, educate yourself, talk to foster parents in your community, take parenting classes, get a support system because there will be good days and hard days, but knowing that you can count on others, alleviates those hard days.
The Tharretts are full of love, compassion and empathy; their heart is fully invested in their call.
