My spouse and I always knew from the start that we wanted to grow our family through love, not just biology. We believed that caring for a child was what really made a family. We were open to adoption and also had training as healing foster parents, ready to care for teenagers or older kids who needed a safe and loving home. We hoped one day to adopt a child who was ready for a forever family after some time in foster care.
Courtesy of Brenda LeSage
In our first year, we met three boys who would become our sons. Just before Christmas, our oldest foster son, Isiah, who was 16 at the time, came to stay with us for respite care — a short visit to give his main foster family a break. That Christmas was full of life and love. Our home was crowded with Isiah, two younger boys, a preteen girl also on respite, and a visitor from Malaysia who was speaking at our church. Walking into church with such a big, lively group felt like a glimpse of the family I always dreamed about. I felt a deep, peaceful joy.
Courtesy of Brenda LeSage
Growing up as an only child, I knew what loneliness felt like. That’s why foster care and adoption felt so important to us — we wanted no child to feel alone. Isiah fit right in with us. He was funny and talkative, especially with my husband. We spent those four days watching basketball games, making last-minute trips, and having family dinners. Time flew. When Isiah’s original foster family came to pick him up, my spouse and I were unexpectedly heartbroken. It felt like we had already lost him.
Courtesy of Brenda LeSage
We cared for him two more times in the next few months, but then the foster system’s no-contact rule kept us from seeing or talking to Isiah for almost two years. It was a painful reminder of how complicated foster care can be. Even though Isiah said he didn’t want to be adopted when his profile was on Adopt US Kids, it was hard to understand and heartbreaking.
But we never gave up hope. I quietly believed one day he would be our son. For five years, we kept that promise. Even while Isiah served in the Army, we stayed connected through letters, phone calls, visits at work, and Instagram.
In 2019, while he was still in training, we asked if he wanted to be adopted. He said yes. This year, after many challenges, his adoption was finally completed. Isiah has been our son from the moment we met him, and always will be.
Courtesy of Brenda LeSage
His journey hasn’t been easy. He’s faced trauma, loneliness, and trust issues, but with our family’s love and care, he is healing and growing every day. Our story shows that every child needs a family, and with faith and patience, hope can turn into a beautiful reality.
