Foster p NORTH VANCOUVER resident Leona Pedosuk leads a pretty quiet life these days — she is a full-time student and has four children living at home. For Leona, who along with hus- band Dick has parented 23 children over the years, life is rela- tively relaxing. Leona, who received the Order of Canada in 1981 for her role as a foster parent, looks back fondly on her and her husband’s busy life. It all began in May, 1963 — their firstborn child Stacey was 15 months old when they became foster parents to a 10-day-old baby. During the first year, four babies arrived and left their household. When their second child John was 11 months old, twin three- week-old boys came for a-short- term stay. ‘They stayed for 20 years,’’ laughs Leona. At that time Leona had a total of six children under six years of age. But Leona’s recollections of what could easily have been a nightmare sound like a dream. . “You simply roll with it. Everything is a game — we all sorted laundry. [{ had six little people stuffing tomatoes in jars when I canned. I quickly set priorities —- clean bodies and beds and wholesome meals. I quit iron- ing,”’ she recalls. Leona says it helped that Dick, a BC Transit bus driver, was often on flip shifts and was home during the day. ‘‘He could diaper and do laundry with the best of them.”’ The best part of their busy day was bath time. It was an assembly line of tiny bodies, ending with a parade of squeaky clean children running through the house. She remembers having a lot of play cana The incredible new Rockp sturdy soles, solid comfort mile after mile. Over 20 styles for men and women from $84.99, including three women’s styles shown. time with her enthusiastic crew. “With six kids, if they are out- side, you have to be there too.”’ But a problem with having half a dozen kids was the difficulty of finding a babysitter. ‘‘As soon as you said six kids, everyone was busy,’’ laughs Leona. In addition to the core family of eight, dozens of foster children passed through the doors of the Pedosuk home. Through it all, Leona held a firm hand on the organization. Household chores were shared. Everyone made his or her own breakfast and lunch. Says Leona: ‘‘I don’t do windows. Everyone gave half an hour a day toward chores.”’ As a founder of the B.C. Feder- ation of Foster Parents Associa- tion, and after 25 years of in- volvement as a foster parent, Leona has seen foster parenting come a long way. She says in the early years, the philosophy was to take troubled children out of their homes and give them the basics, Foster parents seldom met with the natural parents. But she says, ‘‘Now part of the job is to make the child’s transi- tion back to his family as easy as possible. I have never met a child who would not rather live with his family.’’ The association offers a valuable resource to foster parents. ‘If you haven’t encountered a situation before, someone else has and will help you through the rough be tee 33 - Wednesday, July 13, 1988 - North Shore News Tips for ribs AGE 35 PR EEN RL RENT NEWS photo Cindy Bellamy LEGNA AND Dick Pedosuk have been foster parents for the past 25 years. In all, they have parented 23 children. For more information on foster parenting call 1-800-663-9999, spots,’ says Leona. But today, Leona recalls the happy times: ‘‘Currently there is a shortage of foster homes on the North Shore. It’s true that it isn’t always an easy role, but it’s sure a satisfying one and yes, I’d have to say the overali experience has been ort® walking shoe. Soft leather uppers, 789 Park Royal North 925-3049 parenting call 1-800-663-9999 toll- an enjoyable one.” free, For more information on foster Summer Impressions | Fashion Show © Friday, July 15, 7:30 p.m. ¢ Grand Court ¢ Miss North Shore Fashion Pageant contestants © Reserved seating tickets available now from participating merchants rn ——$ OPEN: Mon-Wed. 9 305:30om Thurs Fri, 9:30-9:00 pm. Sat. 9:30-5:30 iy m. Sun, 12 1000-50) Dm. FREE PARKING