Today, this family is a lively household of five children, four now-grown biological children ranging in age from young adulthood to the late twenties, and one energetic 8-year-old who joined through foster care adoption. What began as an unexpected connection became a life-changing commitment.
Adoption was not part of the original plan. Through working at a local residential program, the family met a young child who had already experienced significant loss and uncertainty. When parental rights were terminated and permanency through adoption became the child’s goal, it was clear to the family where the child was meant to be.
The journey into adoption came with unknowns, but the family’s support made all the difference. An adoption specialist remained consistently available to answer questions, provide guidance, and ensure the process felt manageable. Their home visits were relaxed, reassuring, and removed pressure during an already emotional time. Helpful articles, online resources, school-based support, occupational therapy, and respite care continue to be helpful support along the way.
This family’s path has not been easy. Their daily life includes navigating behavioral challenges that are connected to the child’s early trauma and previous placement disruptions. The child’s progress has come slowly and requires patience, prayer, and persistence from the family. Some days include classroom removals; other days bring proud reports and point-sheet successes. An individualized education plan has helped create structure and growth at school. Over time, good days have begun to outnumber the hard ones.
For this family growth has shown up in meaningful ways. Such as a deepening sense of trust and a growing sense of security that this is their forever home. The family has been able to see this child grow at church in their friendships and mentorship from pastors. Also, to learn what it truly means to be a friend and being a brand-new uncle has been milestones worth celebrating.
One especially powerful moment stands out. During a classroom discussion about favorite smells, this child shared that a favorite smell was the adoptive parent. That simple statement captured what words often struggle to express: safety, attachment, and love.
Adoption has profoundly impacted this entire household. There was once uncertainty about whether it would feel different to love a child not born into the family. Now, there’s never a question. When this child hurts, the whole family feels it. When progress happens, everyone celebrates.
Success in this adoption story is not defined by perfection. Success means raising a responsible, kind individual who rises above hardships. Success means someone looking back one day and saying, “Look how far that child has come.” It means creating normalcy for someone who has never experienced simple things.
Adoption from foster care is not easy. There are challenges that do not disappear overnight, because healing takes time. This family would say these challenges are far worth it to offer permanency, worth it to provide belonging, and worth it to watch transformation unfold little by little.
One day at a time, this forever family continues to grow together.