When I was first asked to take care of a child as a foster parent, I thought it had to be a mistake. Me? Being a single mother? I thought I would not be able to. I did not know I had the strength or the courage to be a single mom. I had seen how hard it is for a single mom, and I did not believe I could do the same.
But saying no to God had never gone well for me. So, though I was scared and unsure, I said “yes.” I had been visiting a local orphanage every month for years. I cared about fostering and adoption, but I always thought I had to do it later, maybe after I got married or felt more ready for it.
Then, one cold day in January, I met an 8-year-old boy who stood out. His pain was visible, and something about him touched my heart. I kept visiting, and each time, it became harder to leave. He would cling to my leg and ask me to take him home, and I would have if I could.
I cried and prayed for him to find a family. It turns out I was the family he needed. Around the same time, my church started a program called Rescue 100, which helped people become foster parents faster. I joined the program for my first weekend training in May 2016 and began getting licensed.
After getting my license, I asked about that same boy. I was excited to tell him I could finally bring him home. But when I arrived, he was gone. I found him everywhere and discovered he had been moved to another orphanage. I called, messaged, and tried everything, but nothing helped.
I told God if He wanted this to happen, He had to make a way. I stopped trying and waited. Then, three months later, I got a call. It was his social worker. She questioned whether I would think about adopting him. I was not planning to adopt, but I said, “YES!” without waiting.
We visited him, played, hugged, and promised to come back. A week later, Jeremy came home. Life was not easy like stories; he had been through severe trauma. He had lived in fear, often locked away and hungry. I did not have I would e all the answers, but I knew I could love him more.
Months later, we reconnected Jeremy with his brothers. That day, his brother Kendrick tugged on my shirt and asked, “Will you be my mom, too?” My heart melted. I did not think I could handle more, but again, I said yes. Soon after, I greeted Kendrick and Jayonne upon their return.
The journey was arduous. They had all been hurt and did not trust easily. I spent nights comforting them and trying to be the mother they needed. Slowly, we healed. They began to feel safe, and our bond grew comfortable.
After three long years, on April 1, 2019, I officially adopted all three boys. That was the day we became a forever family. It wasn’t easy, but it was good in the end. If you are waiting, wishing, or uncertain about your worth, I assure you you are. And sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is say “yes,” even when you are scared.
