I’m the youngest of 11 children, and my mom passed away when I was just six years old. I never really had anyone to teach me how to be a mom, but somehow, it just felt natural to me. Over the years, I babysat many nieces, nephews, and cousins. After finishing high school, I spent some time working in childcare as well.
I always thought I was good with kids, but I had no idea how much my life would change because of three special children.
For a long time, I wanted to be a foster mom. I was scared to start because I’m single, don’t have my own kids, and didn’t think I’d qualify. But after researching and asking questions, I found out that all I needed was to be 21 or older. You can be single or married, both work!
I talked to my family and decided to go for it. I moved into a two-bedroom apartment and started taking the required classes. The classes were tough. Hearing the stories of kids in foster care made me cry and broke my heart. I knew I wanted to help as many kids as I could.
When it came time to pick what kinds of kids I wanted to foster, I didn’t care about race or color. Love is love, no matter what. I chose to be open to both African American and Caucasian children, and I thought maybe kids around four or five years old.
Following my coursework and home evaluation, I received approval to care for up to four children.
I was nervous but ready. Then, out of the blue, I received a call, there was a newborn, just five days old, in need of a home.
His name was Elijah Lee Hill. I said yes right away. When they brought him home, my heart just melted.
A few months later, I got a call about two sisters who needed a home. I said yes again. Only one sister, Alexis, came at first because the other, Mercedes, was in a group home. We made sure the sisters stayed connected with visits and calls. When Mercedes was ready to leave the group home, she came to live with us, and our family grew to three kids.
By the time I turned 30, I was raising three kids on my own, ranging from 1 to 15 years old.
It was a big change, but I loved every moment. These kids needed a family, and I had plenty of love to give.
People sometimes stare or ask if I’m just babysitting. I always say no, they are my children. I don’t say “foster kids” because they are family.
When the kids learned they could be adopted, I asked them if they wanted me to adopt them. They all said yes immediately! The adoption process was hard with lots of paperwork, and sometimes I worried if I was enough for them. But my family supported me fully.
On November 1, 2019, we officially became a family. My life transformed from solo to a family of four.
This is only the beginning, and right now, we are enjoying every moment together.
To anyone who doubts or judges: love has no color. I am a Black woman who has embraced three white children into my family, showering them with unconditional love.
If you feel called to foster or adopt, don’t let anything stop you. You can change a child’s life and give them a home full of love.
