When the Children Cry
and this speech is no exception. I'd like to refer to the lyrics of the following song:
by WHITE LION
Little child, dry your cryin' eyes.
How can I explain the fear you feel inside?
Cause you were born into this evil world,
where man is killing man and no one knows just why.
When the children cry, let ‘em know we tried.
When the children sing, then the new world begins.
What have we become?
Just look what we have done.
All that we destroy,
You must build again.
When the children cry, let ‘em know we tried.
When the children sing, then the new world begins.
Little child, you must show the way,
To a greater day for all the young.
Cause you were born for the world to see,
That we all can live with life and peace.
When the children cry, let ‘em know we tried.
Cause when the children fight, let ‘em know it ain't right.
When the children pray, let ‘em know there's a way.
Cause when the children sing, then the new world begins...
Because when the children sing, then the new world begins!
I too dream of a world where all the children can sing. A world free of abuse, neglect and dependency. Over the last five years, Kevin and I have had the chance to experience many things concerning the welfare of children...And many times we have felt like giving up. We read stories in the newspaper, see them on the television, and through foster care we experience the travesty done to children. Can we really make a difference?!? Is there truly hope for the children?? Are we anywhere close to winning the battle?? Kevin and I have always found our hearts troubled by all this but over the past year we have had the chance to experience some things that have risen in us a new hope.
This past June, I sat up almost an entire weekend watching The Children's Miracle Network Telethon raise money for terminally ill children. I couldn't stop watching...I just had to see the miracle stories and the miracle children. As I watched late into the night, our foster daughter...(SOON TO BE ADOPTED daughter), Felicia, made one of her many nightly visits to the bathroom. These nightly bathroom trips are one of the side effects of the chemotherapy used to treat her cancer. And then it hit me! I had a miracle child...Felicia was a miracle child and would directly benefit from the money raised during this telethon. As I heard the phones ringing and I watched as the total money donations continued to increase, my heart was touched. So many people out there were giving the donations to aid the children. As I sat and watched and cried and....
Last February, my family spent a weekend at Penn State University as over 200 college students danced a 48-hour dance marathon to raise 1.2 million dollars for the Four Diamonds Children's Cancer Fund of Hershey. Seeing Felicia there gave them the incentive to dance on and as we joined them on the dance floor for their 47th hour, many of the dancers were having hallucinations from lack of sleep...many were in tears from the pain in their feet and bodies. But when they saw the children, you could see their spirits soar. What an emotional experience for everyone...as these college students gave of themselves to help the children. And above all the cries of joy and pain...
Last Easter at the Foster Parent Association Easter Egg Hunt, I heard a little boy say "I can't believe the Easter Bunny is here at THE AGENCY for us!" (meaning the foster children of Lancaster County). As I smiled at his wonder and innocence...
One of my fondest memories is from last summer at the Foster Family Picnic. I remember a little boy whose body was devastated by AIDS. I watched as he played with agency caseworkers and staff. He had a little squirt gun and was squirting everyone and laughing and having a great time. As I watched with tears in my eyes...
And now tonight, I stand humbled before you, the Foster Parents of Lancaster County Children and Youth Agency. Humbled because I can only begin to imagine all the good you have accomplished in the name of the children. And as I look out over you, the song is loud and clear...
When the children sing, then the new world begins!
Yes, it is time all the children sing and it is up to us, for we are the musicians. Keep the song of a child in your heart and let everything you do, everything you are, and every breath you take ultimately be...
Presented by Deanna Rupp
Foster Parent Appreciation Dinner
10/6/94
Written by Deanna & Kevin Rupp
©1994, Deanna & Kevin Rupp
Please do not copy or reproduce without permission.
****************************************************
We'd love to hear from you! To send us a message, click here!
More speeches presented by Kevin and Deanna
Wind Beneath My Wings - 1993
Why Does the Caged Bird Sing? - 1995
Because You Loved Me - 1996
