They saved my life more than 25 years ago. I was 1...

They saved my life more than 25 years ago. I was 13 years old when I arrived, I left at the age of 16 years old. I was one of the few that didn't get to go home. I was emanicipated at age 19 later when I was in foster care. I had weekly couseling, weekly therapy, and weekly sensory intergration therapy for trauma. I had art therapy too. I worked at their thrift shop for those three years. Every holiday they shelled out cashed for a nice outfit, and we went to a nice restuarant. I am not talking Olive Garden, but like steak houses. I had an allowence, but I had chores, rules to follow. Every month we were given money for clothes and make up. For Birthdays and Christmas we had sponsors. I had my first birthday and Christmas there - it was never celebrated before then. If it wasn't for their love and support (trust me at times it was not easy - I went through a lot as a child, and was head strong,) I really do not know what would have happened to me. They gave me the foundation I needed to thrive in my adult life.