A flower garden will be dedicated in Des Moines today to all children inIowa who are waiting for adoptive “forever” families. About one thousand Iowa children a year wait in foster homes for their chanceto become so-called “normal” kids with families. Those who wait years oftenfeel like no one cares. DeAnn Jones, director of the Iowa Citizen FosterCare Review Board, says adopting a child usually takes at least six months.She says the children range in age from infancy to 18-years.Jones says the Mayor’s Garden for Waiting Children which is being dedicatedin Des Moines today (at 10 a-m) is part of a project that originated inCedar Rapids last year.Jones says the Des Moines garden hopes to put the need for adopting familiesin the forefront — to enable the children to bloom and become productivecitizens. For details, call 800-243-0756.