As I pondered what to write about for this blog entry, it occurred to me that it isn’t everyday that we stop and take a moment to brag about our staff; but why shouldn’t it be? Why is it that we get so caught up in the ebb and flow of our day to day activities that we often lose sight of the fact that we are surrounded by amazing people everyday?
One person that comes to mind when I think of my own amazing co-workers is Anna Zarna. A Guntersville native, Anna graduated from Guntersville High School and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Business Administration with a major in Health Care Management from the University of Alabama.
Anna’s formal title at Marshall Medical Centers is, Offsite Services Manager, but at home, she has an even more important job. For over a year now, she has been fostering children through the Marshall County Department of Human Resources.
“It wasn’t necessarily a matter of whether or not it was something I wanted to do,” says Anna. “Over the course of several years, I began feeling a true calling to foster or adopt. I just wasn’t sure exactly what my role should be.”
Anna is no stranger to caring for young children. “I am from a huge family,” she says. “Between my two parents, I am the oldest of nine children.” But as a single businesswoman, Anna has chosen to take on quite a challenge by accepting the responsibility of parenting these children in need of a temporary home and lots of TLC.
In fact, fostering children is something Anna says she could never have done without the support of her parents, friends and church family. “A good support group is crucial as a single parent. The schools, Marshall Medical Centers and DHR have all been tremendously supportive and helpful.”
Catherine Wiggins, Director of Patient Financial Services at Marshall Medical Centers, is Anna’s direct supervisor. Catherine sees first hand on a daily basis what an amazing difference Anna makes in the lives of these children. “Anna is a great mother, and she takes her role with these children very seriously,” says Catherine. “Her giving nature carries over into her role at Marshall Medical Centers as she fosters a caring environment for her employees and patients. She is admired by her coworkers for the hard work and dedication she puts forth in both her professional and personal life,” she continues. “It’s a privilege to work with her.”
In January of 2011 (at the age of 25), Anna completed the DHR required training classes and almost immediately had an infant placed in her home. Emma, who was 2 months at the time, stayed with Anna for 3 months before being placed with her biological father.
“I am still the ‘mama’ in her life,” Anna proudly says. “In fact, she still spends part of each week with me, and we celebrated her first birthday three months ago.”
“It isn’t always fun, though,” she continues. “At times it can be stressful, frustrating and emotionally tiring… all at once. I think the only way you can be a good foster parent is to recognize that you aren’t doing it for yourself; you are doing it for that child. Everything else is just an added bonus!”
So far, Anna has had six children placed in her home – ranging in age from two months to seven years. She currently has two brothers (ages five and seven) placed in her home.
“I have been amazed at how fostering children has filled my life - and at the sense of peace I feel from answering one of God’s callings for me,” shares Anna.
And we are amazed with you, Anna. Keep up the great work… for Marshall Medical Centers and these precious children.
Interesting Fact: There are three times the number of churches in the United States as there are orphans. In fact, if one person from every third church adopted a child, we could eliminate the current population of orphaned children in the United States. We also have a great need for more foster parents right here in Marshall County. If you or someone you know may be interested in fostering and/or adopting a child, contact Marshall County DHR at 256-582-7100.
