Getting to the heart of the matter

Standing in the hallway of her homeunit, Carol Harrison reaches into a display cabinet and pulls out one of the many awards her boys have won for excellence in academics and extracurricular activities at school. As she carefully holds the prized possession, the only thing that shines brighter than the trophy is the twinkle in her eyes as she talks about her boys.

"Whenever the boys have an awards ceremony at school, they always ask if we're coming," she said. "We haven't missed one yet."

For Carol and Clark Harrison, homeparents at Methodist Children's Home, supporting their boys' school activities is a top priority. Teachers and administrators at Brooke Avenue Elementary School welcome them with open arms, whether the Harrisons are there to check on their boys' progress, attend a PTA meeting or drop off cupcakes for a school event. Last May, the school presented the Harrisons with a certificate of appreciation for their support of the school.

"It's important for us to be there to support our boys," Clark said. "And, it makes us feel good when we walk into the room and hear one of them tell a friend, 'That's my parent.'"

Evidence of the love they have for each other was demonstrated last summer when Clark underwent triple-bypass surgery. The boys kept the phone lines busy as they called the hospital daily to receive updates on "Mr. H." During his recovery, the Harrisons made occasional visits to the home unit until he received his release.

"I knew the best therapy was to be around the ones I love," Clark said.

When he walked through the door upon his return, he was greeted with a welcome typical of young boys.

"They started yelling and screaming, then they wanted to see my scars," he said.

Clark is ahead of schedule on his therapy. Despite his quick recovery, he continues to test the waters, sneaking a cookie or two or throwing a football with the boys in the front yard. Throughout this ordeal, the Harrisons have been appreciative of the support they've received from the Methodist Children's Home family.

"A lot of people prayed for us and sent us notes and cards," Clark said. "It makes us feel good knowing that people care."

The Harrisons were on the receiving end of the type of love and support they share with their residents at the Home. Whether it's helping the boys with their homework, teaching them to cook or planning a weekend camping trip, the Harrisons' attention and efforts are focused on helping their boys achieve growth while in their care.

"We have a lot of fun but there's also a very serious side," Clark said. "We have 10 kids who all have problems that need to be dealt with differently. We can't put a Band-Aid on their problems. It takes time."

Their boys appreciate the Harrisons' efforts to help them learn and grow.

"They plan a lot of activities for us," Eduardo said. "But, they don't just plan them; they do them with us. And that means a lot."

One of Eduardo's roommates, Cameron, appreciates the self-discipline he's learning at the Home.

"They're teaching me manners and the importance of doing my chores," he said. "I'm learning not to be lazy."

As Eduardo continues to reflect on the influence of the Harrisons, a smile comes across his face.

"I really appreciate all they do for us," he said. "They bring out the kid in us. I'm getting to know what it's like to be a boy."

This article appeared in the October 2003 issue of Sunshine. Methodist Children's Home, Waco, Texas