For many people, the ultimate joy of life is having children.

But for some, that dream will never be a reality, at least biologically.

But there are two alternative — foster parenting and adoption.

Of course with the former the placement of the child is understood to be temporary, at least in most cases.

In the latter, the child and the hopeful couple become a family.

As we learned in Ashley McKnight-Taylor’s story in Wednesday’s Suffolk News-Herald, there is a need for both foster parents and adoptive parents in Suffolk.

If you have ever considered either, we strongly urge you to contact the folks who can help.

They will be more than happy to meet with you, answer all of your questions and explain the procedures in full.

The thing to remember, though, is adoption is not temporary. As McKnight-Taylor noted in her story, if problems arise, and with children they will, the adoptive parents can’t simply return the child as one might do a pet from the shelter.

If you are serious, or just curious, and want to learn more, call Anthony Jones for fostering, 923-3037, or Yvette Jones-King for adoptions at 923-3022.