Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, October 30, 1994 TAG: 9410310011
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-18 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PETER S. WILLIS CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: ELLISTON LENGTH: Long
For the last 10 years, Halloween has taken over one house on Big Spring Drive.
"The more children we get, the more decorations go up," said Betty Bland, who, with her husband, Carl, has adopted four children with special needs and taken in three foster children.
The Blands' house and yard have turned into a Halloween display of ghoulish delight with the help of Betty and Carl's birth daughter, Starlet, 23; her fiance, Robert Smith; the four adopted Blands, Vann, 26; Angela, 13; Yan, 10; and John, 4; and the three foster children. It's a family tradition.
This year's project began in early October and was completed with plenty of time to spare. The entire affair has only increased the excitement (and impatience) of the Bland children. They're feverish with anticipation, and all of their Halloween costumes are ready. Well, almost all.
John may be one of the younger children, but he is rambunctious and outgoing. Even at 4, he's quick to shake your hand, flash a smile and tell you proudly that he's going to be Bugs Bunny.
Two of the foster children also have made their decisions for the coming day. Their answers come out in a rush - Barbie and G.I. Joe, of course. (The foster children's names are not being used to protect their privacy.)
Angela is not really sure yet. At 13, crucial decisions like this take time, but a punk rocker sporting Angela's shy grin could be trick-or-treating on Elliston's streets on All Hallow's Eve.
The Halloween display is just one example of Betty and Carl Bland's dedication to their children's happiness. The confidence and enthusiasm the children display are indicative of their parents' efforts and encouragement. But the family still has much to overcome.
Some of the hurdles seem almost insurmountable. Vann suffers from a malignant brain tumor. John was a "cocaine baby." Angela came from an abusive background. One of the foster children also suffers from a mother's cocaine abuse.
The formula the parents use is simple and effective: unconditional love and relentless caring, Betty Bland says, refined over 10 years of experience with special-needs children.
"These kids need to know that even with problems, they can have a good life," she said. "If you love them, you can do anything."
Betty Bland has her own understanding of the difficulties faced by special-needs children. At 4, she contracted polio. A steel leg brace, a pronounced limp and a fiery dedication are the legacy of her experience.
"I know what it's like to have a problem. A lot of parents don't," she explained.
The Blands' willingness to overcome their children's problems has taken its toll, however. Betty has not slept a full night since John joined them four years ago. Carl works long hours at Adams Construction Co. in Blacksburg to support the family. Starlet and Robert pitch in wherever they can, often helping with the other children.
It is a rigorous schedule that would test anyone's endurance, but it is also "the most rewarding job in the world" said Betty.
Carl Bland shares his wife's dedication to their children. He is committed to "giving them a better home and helping them make a better life after what they've been through."
The Blands encourage the children to enjoy outside activities. Starlet and Yan are in the Confederate Cloggers of Christiansburg, and the entire family cheers them on at local competitions.
Weekly dinner outings are always on the family's agenda, although other diners are not always understanding of the children's special problems.
Robert has even traded his pickup for a van to help the family travel on local trips and vacations.
Special-needs children are not the only ones to benefit from the Blands' open hearts. The family has taken in a number of stray and abused animals over the years. They currently care for four dogs, two cats, two kittens and a variety of other pets.
The kittens are the most recent addition to the Bland household, rescued by Angela and Starlet. Luckily, Betty quickly developed a sense of humor about the "down-on-their-luck" strays her family has brought home from time to time.
"If [the children] walked in with an elephant, I wouldn't be surprised," she said with a laugh.
Betty and Carl Bland have not limited their affection to their own diverse family, however. Christmas is already in their thoughts, and their plans will touch other children as well as their own family.
On Christmas Eve, Carl and Robert will don matching Santa suits and deliver presents and candy to underprivileged children in the Elliston-Shawsville area. Starlet will play Santa's helper as they bring Christmas joy to children who may have little to be joyful about.
Perhaps a "Bland" holiday season wouldn't be such a bad thing after all.
by CNB