This picture hangs in our dining room as a memory of our "adoption day" back in 2012. As of late last week we learned of the passing of Judge William Wiest. This man played a very important role in several of our children's lives. Our family was blessed to get to know Judge Wiest not only as our judge but also as a neighbor- friend.
As a foster parent you find yourself spending much time going to and from the courthouse for many reasons. Some events more hope filled then others. As Judge Wiest began to take on a role in Child and Youth cases I had several opportunities to be in his presence and we were able to get to know each other. His heart for youth and children in Northumberland County along with he and his wife's shared love for adoption made it easy to talk and share a genuine comradery. His smile and words of encouragement were a deep blessing to myself and the children. He would talk about his wife, his children, and his beloved grandchildren then pull the conversation to our family and genuinely ask how we were doing EVERYTIME. I always appreciated his keen sense and awareness of what capacity stroller I had managed to maneuver into the courthouse, through security, and to the courtroom. Any foster mom has "that" collection of strollers in her garage. He was fond of my blue three passenger stroller and its ability to haul all three of the little boys at the same time. He had a big heart for sure. He never filled my ears with his list of accomplishments, he asked about our family. He led by his example. The words from his mouth that I will carry into the future are so simple but helpful, "YOU ARE DOING GOOD." I believe by example HE HAS DONE GOOD.
The list of how much time and energy he poured out to others, by example, is one I will never fully know because our time in meeting was not for a long duration. In the small window of time that we did get to know each other I saw a person who along with his wife had known joy and pain personally, yet still kept their heads up and continued to pour out into others in every area of life. We are blessed to have spent our adoption day with him and I will sure miss passing him alongside the road on my walks. His wave and smile will be missed. The challenge for the rest of us, in this life is to stand up ,and start living by this example of pouring into those around us who need to be loved.
Our family is sharing with our community in thoughts and prayers for the family of Judge William Weist.
