Mary Smith Thompson, Case Worker

I spent decades in foster care work back when resources were thin and quitting wasn’t an option—it was just what needed to be done. I fought for kids, stood in courtrooms, answered late-night calls, and carried stories most people never hear. When it was time to step away, I didn’t stop caring; I just got tired in my bones. Now I rock babies in my church nursery, pray over children whose futures I’ll never know, and trust the next generation to carry what I once held. I may be retired from the system, but my heart never left the kids.