Faith of a foundling and a mother

Foundling is a word seldom used anymore. Once upon a time the baby left on a doorstep or at a church was referred to as a foundling. Nothing was known about these abandoned babies — yet for some couples desperately wanting a child they were a godsend.

Before telling today’s stories I must tell about a most interesting one I heard recently. The woman telling it was originally from Norway where her sister still lives. Her sister adopted a baby girl from Korea (and later another Korean girl). This daughter grew up with her adopted family thinking little about her original parentage. She married and later her daughter asked about her Korean side. They went to Korea hopefully to discover something about her origin.

Quickly, they were able to find all they needed to know. She had been given up for adoption because her family already had a boy and a girl and were very poor. She was part of a twin set born later, with the family deciding to keep only one. She was able to meet her twin as well as the entire family and they now are in constant contact.

——— Our foundling story starts in Sacramento at 14th and N streets (or close to that location). According to the police report, “Baby Jane Doe” was found near an apartment building. The attached note said she was 13 days old.

At that same time two sisters both decided to adopt and signed up for babies. One sister was called about the baby girl. While she wanted her she couldn’t accept because she was in the process of moving. Ten minutes later her sister was called and of course said, “Yes.”

This is the beginning story of Kathy McClarrinon who lives now in Galt with husband Bruce. Her parents later adopted another girl. When Kathy was 10 her mother died and the aunt who almost became her adoptive mother became the mother figure in her and her sister’s lives. Meanwhile her dad provided for his girls.

Kathy attended Luther Burbank High School where she met Bruce through mutual friends when she was 14. They started dating and were married in 1968. When Kathy graduated she attended Sacramento City College for a semester and a half before finding a job in a dental office. “I loved it,” Kathy said. She worked her way from receptionist to dental assistant, staying there for nine years until her first child — a son was born.

“I always wanted to help everybody, putting them before myself,” Kathy says. “This was a job where I felt I was helping and it was a great feeling.”

Meanwhile Bruce had become a member of the State of California Police Force. At that time it was a separate agency from the Highway Patrol. This police force protected state buildings and elected officials. During his tenure in Sacramento he often was part of the Police Force who protected Ronald Reagan when he was governor.

“He had a lot of threats,” Bruce says, “so there were lots of policemen protecting him.”

Then Bruce was transferred to the Fresno area where they lived with their three children for several years. When Bruce was injured on the job they returned to the Sacramento area, living first in Herald and then in Galt. They are active members of the Galt Episcopal Church and both still are willing to help anyone who need it.

——— Raising children is never an easy task, but even more of a challenge when a spouse leaves. Lori Yoder’s husband left her when their son was 8 and daughter 6, with no spousal support forthcoming. This didn’t stop Lori from giving love and support to her children.

Lori grew up in this area. When she was 16, she started working peeling peaches in a packing shed during the summers. Her mother also worked there. However, she did such a good job she soon was transferred to the testing lab. After high school she went to work for AT&T, moving from operator to representative and trainer. She worked there for 25 years, taking an early retirement when they gave her a package. “I couldn’t refuse,” Lori said. Lori raised her children in Elk Grove. Her son played football and earned an academic scholarship to Yale University and also played football there. He owns Legislative Advocates, a Sacramento business. Her daughter attended Chico State University and is an IT trainer.

Lori lives in Galt and loves raising gorgeous roses. She looks back and can honestly say, “I’m very proud of what my children have accomplished.” As well she should be.

——— As the weekend approaches, don’t forget Sip and Snack at the Mac at Galt’s McFarland Ranch or the Lodi Concert Association Season ticket $70 deadline.