According to recent data presented by the Children’s Bureau, the number of children in foster care nationwide is approximately 424,000. In Tennessee only, there are slightly less than 8,000 children who are waiting to be reunited with their families or find a forever home with people who would love them unconditionally. The sad reality is that the number of foster families in this state is less than 4,000.
Up until recently, one of those kids who found themselves in the system was 12-year-old Andrew from Nashville. This lovely boy spent half his life going from one family to another. However, that changed when he was welcomed in by a special foster family; the Gills.
Kevin and Dominique Gill have a son on their own, Joc, who made very good friends with Andrew the moment they first met. The boys just love hanging out together. They spend their time playing games, taking walks, and doing a bunch of fun stuff. Realizing how close the boys became, Kevin and Dominique decided to let them be best friends forever by filing adoption papers.
Andrew had no idea he was about to become an official member of the Gill family. One day, as he was taking a walk at the park with Molly Parker, an employee at the Youth Villages, he was met with the news that his foster parents are adopting him.
“I just turned around the corner and saw everybody,” Andrew said. “They asked ‘will you?’ and I said ‘yeah!’”
Besides being best friends, these boys now became brothers. Isn’t that the most beautiful thing ever?
Don’t Toss Those Eggshells! Seven Surprising Reasons to Keep Them
If you’re a fan of eggs, you’re not alone. Besides being a tasty and nutritious choice, eggshells come with some surprising benefits. Before you toss them out, here are seven reasons to consider keeping those eggshells around.
1. Natural Pest Repellent
Got slugs and snails wreaking havoc in your garden? Crushed eggshells scattered around your plants can help. These critters dislike the rough texture, so eggshells can keep them at a distance naturally.
2. Deer Deterrent
Living near wooded areas can mean deer snacking on your plants. But scattered eggshells may be the answer. Deer dislike the scent of eggshells, making this an easy way to keep them away from your garden.
3. Bird Attractor
Eggshells can help attract birds to your garden, which not only adds to the ambiance but also helps with insect control. Sprinkle a few crushed eggshells around, and you’ll likely see more feathered visitors keeping pests in check.
4. Soil Enricher
Eggshells are a great source of calcium and other nutrients that improve soil quality. Adding crushed eggshells to your garden beds can give your plants a little nutritional boost, helping them grow stronger.
5. Calcium Boost for Vegetables
Certain vegetables, like tomatoes and peppers, need extra calcium to avoid issues like blossom-end rot. Mixing crushed eggshells into the soil around their roots can help keep your veggies healthy, flavorful, and firm.
With these simple tricks, your leftover eggshells can be a natural boost for your garden!
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