Shortly before my mother died she told me about the German POWs working on my grandparents farm in Auburn. My grandmother and grandfather were German and Grandma Schmidt felt an afinity for the prisoners who were working on the farm. She took her homemade soup to the barn for them to eat during their lunch break. Mom accompanied her to the barn with me, a young baby born just the year before. The prisoners were so happy to see a baby. My mother and grandmother let those who asked hold me and fuss over me. Afterwards when neighbors and others heard of this they criticized my mother for letting them hold and be near me but she said she felt it was the right thing to do. It was evident from their smiles and tears in their eyes that they were thinking of families and children from home. I do not remember this event but think it did have and effect on me in that I have since tried to help others who are going through difficult times in their lives through foster care and adoption.