I am now in the midst of reading "More Travels in a Donkey Trap" by Daisy Baker. I began reading this book while I was in the airport waiting to come to England for Donkey Week 2010. When that never happened I put down the book, feeling sorry for myself I suppose, and only just now picked it up again. That same day my flight did not get me to Devon, I received a phone call from a Foster Donkey "parent" and friend, Hettie Knight. She now writes her adventures for the Sanctuary in the Forum's Foster "parent" section. Well, she not only surprised me with the call, but instantly began healing my disappointment in myself for turning back. Since that time we have communicated every week. I plan on meeting her "boys" in Dorset in 2011. What I realize now is Hettie graciously began fostering me as well! And she has done a good job. All those who foster Donkeys from the Sanctuary are heros. I wrote the following poem to honor the fostering qualities Hettie possesses. But it is also for all those individuals who help by fostering the Donkeys in need of a good home. I would also like to share a quote from Daisy Baker which started this whole recollection of my lost trip, but new dear friend found. "You make no hard and fast rules...If you do not get there today tomorrow will do...,The most important thing is to ' get there', wherever it is, no matter how you do it, and that to arrive slowly in your own time is better than not arriving at all."

Fostered by a Knight

There is no doubt about it
In this summer's mellow night
I shall not tremble
In your care
No coward's soul
Stands over there.

Just like the Donkeys you took in
With wide embracing love
You've fostered friendship from afar
And anchored me
Holding fast to your infinity.

You walk me through
Your English life
Just like your "boys"
My steps remain
Steady on life's rocky ground
Led by a friend
Who will sustain.

Change dissolves
And change remains
Your boundless care becomes
A smiling voice across the sea
Letting me know
The Sanctuary's there to keep.

The fog it clears
Whispering to this wanderer with simple Grace
"My boys are waiting, come and see!"
Over the hill, beyond the lea
It's China Boy and Uncle B.