Chicago Tribune

'One child led to 132': Hawthorn Woods couple finds spiritual rewards in foster care

HAWTHORN WOODS, Ill. - Susan Vrenios held the baby boy, less than 6 months old, in her arms as the infant cooed and flashed his big heart-melting smile.

Over the span of nearly 30 years as a foster parent, Vrenios has become a pro tending to infants and children in the care of the state. Vrenios and her husband, Tom, so far have touched the lives of 132 kids, including two children the couple adopted into their own family.

"We couldn't keep them all," the 53-year-old Vrenios said with a laugh. "They don't make cars for 132 kids."

For the past 10 years, Vrenios and her husband have worked with

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