By Mary Lackie

Danny Williams was 18 years old when he asked his parents if he could adopt them. Two years later he officially become their oldest son, Danny Karkotsky.

The night Danny graduated from St. Pius X, he told his mother and father that he would like to change his name. “That was the first we knew about it,” his mother said. “He saved his money and paid for all the legal expenses himself.”

It was Danny’s way of showing his appreciation to the foster parents who had cared for him since he was 3 years old. He was the first of 16 children to live with the Karkotskys since their own son, Timmy, was a baby.

This fall, the family has two five-year-olds at home—Michaeline Karkotsky and Matty, a retarded foster child. Matty had the mumps when he arrived and gave them to Michaeline. Mrs. Karkotsky couldn’t leave the house, but the neighbors spread the word.

“That first day Matty was here, cars kept driving in –neighbors and some people I didn’t even know left clothes for him. He had everything from pajamas to a Sunday suit,’ Mrs. Karkotsky said. The owner of a furniture store brought trundle beds. “I gave him a check and he tore it up. He said this was his contribution.”

Sixteen children? How can you stand it. Are you making any money on that? The answer to these frequent questions is “There are things money can’t buy,” the foster mother said. “Your own children are learning to share, and as parents you have this wonderful opportunity to exchange love with every child that comes into your house.” Newborn babies to high school seniors have lived with the family.

“The foster children are wise—they accept you for what you are. Adults expect perfection. In this way, I think we should all become as little children,” Mrs. Karkotsky said. “And little things a family takes for granted—ice cream cones and shiny shoes—are appreciated by the foster children. It is a good experience for all of us.”

When Therese and Tammy Karkotsky were lonely and bored, they would ask their mother to “call the caseworker and see if she has anybody for us to play with today.” Caseworkers are the greatest help to parents, Mrs. Karkotsky said. “Here in Atlanta, they are overworked, but willing to interrupt their private lives to help you. That’s dedication.”

Mrs. Karkotsky insists that her husband deserves most of the credit for his help with the children. “Mike loves them—he wins them over.” Mr. Karkotsky helps the children with their homework and teaches them baseball, swimming and ice skating. When he retires, he plans to open a boys’ camp. “Mike says I can be the chief cook and bottle washer,” Mrs. Karkotsky said.

“There is something I don’t understand,” the foster mother said. “As Catholics, we are taught to be charitable. Whey are these children in the last category? We are willing to give our money; why can’t we give a little of our time? The only things necessary to qualify as a foster parent is love.”

Mrs. Karkotsky doesn’t have time for bridge or bowling, but she is active in the Our Lady of the Assumption altar society and teaches in the school of religion. “I like to keep house and cook—and visit with the children when they want to listen. We love the children, and this is our harvest.”