My Father’s Day Thoughts

by | Jun 19, 2021 | CASA Updates

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Of course around Father’s Day my mind drifts towards thoughts of my dad.  He moved into his heavenly mansion on May 18, 2014.   After a short, but long, five month battle with cancer, the horrid disease took his life.  At this time I had already been pondering volunteer work as a Court Appointed Special Advocate.  This life altering tragedy just spurred me on.

As I navigated my own grief as well as the grief of my mother, I realized that I needed to focus on the needs of someone else besides my own.  I took the step — I called 406-259-1233 and signed up to attend an informative session on becoming a CASA.  In May of 2015, I was sworn in and began advocating for the abused and neglected children in our county.

The act of giving back helped me heal from the tragedy that I had experienced.  Giving myself away and helping others was a healing power for me.  I trust that just these few thoughts may encourage one person that may be experiencing pain, sadness, grief, or self-pity to consider volunteering your time.  Even when you think you have nothing left to offer, there is always someone worse off than you.  Find them.  Help them.  There is a paycheck at the end.

Now, seven years later, I see the loss of the kindest, gentlest, most perfect father as a huge stepping stone in my life.  His loss was devastating but something that made me stronger.  It took a while, but I see it now.

On my best days, I am my father’s daughter.

If you would like to find out more about how you can become a volunteer advocate for a child who has been abused or neglected, please call the CASA office at (406)259-1233 or email emily@yellowstonecasa.org

 

 

 


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Court Appointed Special Advocates are community volunteers who speak up for the best interests of children in foster care. Volunteer CASAs work for the best interests of kids by advocating for their safety and permanency.

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