experiences, counseling and stability, the last 10 months have not been without their challenges. Riley and Sarah’s older sister, Anna, moved to live with another Buckner foster family, an emotional decision that wrecked the Wrights but has ultimately proved beneficial for everyone. Anna is thriving in her new home. She calls multiple times a week and sees her siblings at Buckner events, visits and other play dates. Visits with Riley and Sarah’s biological mother have also become
quite challenging in recent days. After a particularly trying encounter, Riley had an emotional night. “I’m just really worried about my mom,” he confessed to Robin in her classroom the next morning, apprehensive about the school day ahead. “[Robin] is holding on to this boy who is absolutely broken,” Buckner
Case Manager Jessica Hernandez said after a follow-up conversation with Robin about that day. “She held onto him tightly and said, ‘Please let me worry for you. You just have fun and be a kid. Let me love you and let me take that away from you.’ What a perfect example of showing Christ through this ministry. Because that’s what Christ does. He takes away our burdens. And that’s what Robin and Barry do for
these kids. Only God can heal them, ultimately. But [Robin and Barry] are helping in that healing process.” As the dust begins to settle, Sarah and Riley are blossoming. Sarah is sweet and sassy. “She’s got me wrapped around her finger. Robin gets mad at me.
She says I’m creating a monster,” Barry said of Sarah. “I call her the diva chick, but she’s got such a good heart.” “That child is more in touch with her feelings probably than some
adults,” Robin added. “Sarah was praying daily, ‘I pray for old momma and daddy, but I pray they don’t take me back. I pray I get to stay with my new mommy and daddy.’ To have been through everything she’s been through, she really demands nothing. Everybody falls in love with Sarah.” Riley is athletic and full of energy. “He climbs everything. He could literally climb a half-inch door
frame. He’s just constantly on the move,” Robin said. Since coming to the Wrights, Riley has opened up emotionally, is
doing well in his new school, where Robin now teaches second grade, and setting goals and completing tasks. “We just want to help them find what they’re good at and help
While Robin’s tender heart for vulnerable children was the impetus for the Wrights decision to foster, the fostering experience has shaped Barry, their marriage, their teenage boys, their extended family and their community.
Spring 2016 • BUCKNER TODAY 47
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