February 2005 Love Brings Siblings Together in Craig County By Douglas Doe Inside OKDHS Editor Adopting a group of four siblings within the child welfare system can be a tough sell for any prospective adop- tive parent, and nearly impossible when one of the children has physical or men- tal impairments. Mark the Eaglin family down as “sold.” With three adult daughters, Charles and Alice Eaglin made the decision to start over again after 16 years of marriage and adopted not one or two, but all four siblings. And it’s the transformation of the fourth child, 3- year-old Billy, whose adoption was finalized in late January, that made these adoptions so special. “This has been very rewarding for us and the children,” Alice said from her home in rural Craig County. “Sometimes it can be really hectic, but this is worth it because they are happy.” Billy was diagnosed with cere- bral-renal syndrome and Dwayne’s syndrome, which have left him with poor muscle development and no peripheral vision. When he came to the Billy, 3, shares a tender moment with his mother, Alice Eaglin, while his father, Eaglins, Billy didn’t move, eat much, Charles looks on. The couple finalized their adoption of Billy in January. look at anyone or make any noise, and Division foster care specialist housed in In the last year, Billy has doubled he had been in foster homes or hospi- Craig County. in size, is able to hold himself up and tals, Alice said. “Quite frankly, he was not expect- can even carry on an active conversa- “He didn’t want to be held or cud- ed to live,” Crawford added. “But what tion, whether it’s about the family dled and was tired all the time,” she a difference a year has made.” minivan, his pet dogs, the family’s said. “Billy just wanted to be in a room Alice and Crawford both suspect computer or especially eating. by himself. All his senses were the reunification with his three siblings During one of Crawford’s home extreme.” – Morgan, 5, and 4-year-old twins visits, Alice asked Billy what he want- There was a great deal of concern Matthew and Miranda – all happy, bois- ed to eat after they picked up his broth- for Billy, said Cheryl Crawford, a terous and teeming with energy, played er and sisters from school. Without Developmental Disabilities Services a vital role in Billy’s turnaround. SIBLINGS continued on page 15 The Chaplain’s Corner: Reflections on Black History Month By Maurice L. Ford, MS term the “Real McCoy,” is attributed Child Welfare Specialist III to his life. Colin Powell is the first OKDHS Chaplain African American to serve as nation- February is a chance to com- al security adviser, chairman of the memorate great African Americans Joint Chiefs of Staff, and secretary who have made a difference in the of state. Condoleezza Rice has fol- world in which we live; many of lowed in his footsteps as the second whom continue to do so. By cele- African American to serve as the brating, as well as commemorating national security adviser and Secre- these great men and women who tary of State. The first black presi- paved the way for future genera- dent of the Harvard Law Review, tions, we continue to learn through Barack Obama, is the third black their strength and determination to American to serve in the U.S. Senate build a better world. All of us should since Reconstruction. Dorothy Dan- be commemorated for the positive dridge paved the way for many differences we make in the lives of young African American actresses OKDHS Chaplain Maurice L. Ford the people we serve. by refusing to play roles that were The celebration of black histo- extended to the entire month of Feb- unflattering to “black actresses.” ry began in 1926. A Harvard Ph.D. ruary in order to accommodate the African Americans continue to named Carter G. Woodson first ini- activities and celebrity program- shape our world today: Tavis Smi- tiated a “Negro History Week” to be ming. ley, Oprah Winfrey, Toni Morrison, celebrated in February. Woodson Many African Americans have Tom Joyner, Bishop T.D. Jakes and felt February was a good month influenced science, politics and Russell Simmons. These great peo- because it included both Fredrick entertainment. Dr. Charles Drew ple are only a few in a long list that Douglass and Abraham Lincoln’s first pioneered the idea of the blood will continue into the future. birthdays. Both of these men had bank, and today blood banks are When you reflect this month on contributed significantly to the used to save thousands of lives every what these men and women have advancement of equality among year. Garrett Morgan invented the accomplished in their lifetimes and men. In 1976, on the 200th birthday gas mask. Elija McCoy invented the what our future generations will of the United States, the week was steam engine lubricator, and the accomplish, ask yourself … What am I doing to make a positive differ- ence in the world in which we To All Who Are Involved in the live? Caregiver Program “The card you sent, ‘Caregiver Survival Tips,’ came on such an “Learning is ignorance appropriate day – when I was feeling so overloaded. The items mentioned were so encouraging – even though you are a large government agency – It seemed like someone really knew what it was all about and cared …” leaving the mind. Editor’s Note: Just sharing with you a note sent to OKDHS Director I love to learn …” Howard H. Hendrick. The words express what you need to hear more of about the positive impact your work brings into the lives of those we Howard H. Hendrick serve. 2 INSIDE OKDHS — February 2005 Love Power: When a Child Enters Your Heart … By George Earl Johnson Jr. up on his new caseload but a familiar lifetime. Today, we want to thank In his later years, Winston name and face from the past. This Michael Linder for loving the work Churchill, while addressing a graduat- afforded Linder an opportunity to put he does so much that he put his Best ing class, said, “Never quit! Never his Best Foot Forward one more time Foot Forward to make a positive dif- quit! Never, never, never quit!” He for a child who had become special to ference in a child’s young life. then returned to his seat. him. There are many OKDHS profes- In February, when we celebrate sionals who have similar untold sto- Valentine’s Day, stories of sharing our ries about client successes. We see hearts are abundant. And sometimes children and families achieving posi- having a never quit attitude allows tive results daily. love to arrive just in time. Linder believes he’s the one who Recently, Area IV Child Welfare has been blessed to see the young Services Social Services Specialist boy’s successes. These successes pro- Michael Linder shared a story that in At an adoption party last fall, vide the kind of encouragement one the end captures the spirit of Valen- there was a breakthrough when other needs to do the difficult fieldwork tine’s Day. warm hearts reached out to this child. required in Child Welfare Services as Four years ago, a child came into After all of the adoption paperwork well as in other Department work. state custody, and like so many chil- was completed, Linder’s child client Using the spirit of Churchill’s dren, the child had suffered severe of nearly four years was in an adop- never quit philosophy, let’s find more physical and sexual abuse and neg- tive home with hearts full of love and ways to never give up – never, never, lect. The child’s psychological and compassion to surround him. Most of never give up – on a child, our fami- emotional challenges had resulted in the young boy’s acting out behaviors lies, friends, neighbors, each other or many placements. were mitigated through his new par- ourselves. After February is long Putting his Best Foot Forward, ents’ love. School is not as much of a behind us, let’s see how we can put Linder did what any good child wel- challenge, reading has become funda- our Best Foot Forward in sharing our fare specialist would do; he went to mentally better and learning is more hearts. We just might be richly work on the child’s behalf to get the fun. rewarded beyond material measure. young boy the best services possible. There were others along the road So let’s “Put a Little Love In Our Linder moved to Swift Adop- of success for this child and hopefully Hearts” this Valentine’s Day and in tions in 2004, and who should show there will be many more in the child’s the days that follow. INSIDE OKDHS — February 2005 3 Congratulations and Best Wishes to Our Retirees January 2005 Area IV Office Robert L. Nunley, 30 years • Data Services Division Judy K. Spence, 30 years • Family Support Services Division Donna L. Caton, 35 years • Finance Division Oklahoma Department of Human Services staff in Murray County teamed up Donald J. Thompson, 17 with Indian Territory Home Health for the 2004 American Cancer Society’s years “Relay for Life” and won first place for the local event, raising a total of $4,450. To help raise funds for the event, the two groups held silent auctions, cookouts • and sold refreshments. Sixteen teams entered the event, which was held at the Human Resources Murray County Expo Center.