LAKE COUNTY >> “Lake County, California and the nation, all need more awareness of the need for foster parents. That”s why I wrote this book,” said Kelseyville writer Robin C. Harris who has recently published “Journeys Out of Darkness,” a collection of his adventures in foster care.
Harris will read from the book, and conduct a discussion at the Lake County Library on Saturday at 2 p.m. and will hold a book signing at the Kelseyville Pear Festival on Sept. 27.
“My mission is to let prospective families know the sweetness and satisfaction that awaits them as foster parents,” he says. “It”s not all fun and games, but it”s a rewarding calling, and the book is well worth the attention of prospective foster parents, or anyone who wants a good read.”
Harris has written the book somewhat lightheartedly in order to have universal appeal to anyone wanting to know more about that way of life.
“Many families have no idea how fulfilled their lives can become as foster parents,” Harris states. “I”m hoping this book will give them some insight into the impact they may make as they help to raise children who need them so desperately.”
At age 81, Harris acknowledges that his days as a foster parent are over, “but writing keeps my feet wet,” he says.
A 17-year resident of Lake County, Harris was a foster parent over a 12 year span for up to four children at a time. The youngest was 3-years-old when he arrived; the oldest was 18 when he left.
“Thirty-nine years of experience in education was helpful,” Harris says, “but that kind of background isn”t necessary to happy and successful foster parenting.”
He and his wife owned and directed two residential schools for children with learning and behavioral challenges. Prior to that he was an elementary school teacher and principal, as well as a middle school counselor.
He has also recently completed a book of affirmations for foster children, and is presently writing two works of teenage fiction. One of them is about children in foster care.
Journeys Out of Darkness is presently available at Watershed Books in Lakeport and Dusty”s Antiques in Kelseyville.
The Lake County Library is located at 1425 N. High St. in Lakeport.
