WASHINGTON -- From changing diapers to late-night feedings, Las Vegans Leonard and Emma Schweitzer knew all too well the work that went into taking care of newborns.
In fact, they did it more than 200 times.
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Today, Leonard Schweitzer, 71, and his wife Emma will be recognized in Washington for 20 years of service to foster care. Emma Schweitzer died in June, a month before their award was announced.
"She's up there smiling down on us," Leonard Schweitzer said about his late wife. "We did it as a team and we both loved babies."
The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute will give awards to 185 foster parents and promoters from around the country.
The "Angels in Adoption" program allows members of Congress to nominate constituents who have served as foster parents. Rep. Jon Porter, R-Nev., nominated the Schweitzers for the honor.
"Their generosity has enabled more than 200 babies to have a safe, secure and loving start in life," Porter said.
The Schweitzers began foster-parenting to newborn babies in 1986 after learning about it from a friend at their church, Schweitzer said.
"And away we went!" he declared.
The couple would take in children for short periods immediately after their birth, but before papers had been filed to place them in adoption homes.
One of Schweitzer's daughters, Rebecca Wilks, flew to Washington to see her father receive the award.
Wilks, who was adopted, said her parents began foster-parenting when she was an older teenager. After seeing the work her parents performed, Wilks said she was especially proud about the honor.
"I'm flabbergasted by this, but I can't imagine any two more deserving people," Wilks said. "Having a child of my own, I couldn't imagine going through the endless nights. But my mother was always saying, 'I need a baby, I need a baby.' It was her work.
"They both took out their grandparenting on the children who needed it the most," Wilks said.
Review-Journal writer Molly Ball contributed to this report.
