Justin arrived in our lives in 2014, a tiny three-and-a-half-year-old with wide, curious eyes and an energy that immediately filled every corner of our home. For fourteen years, we had dreamed of having a child of our own, enduring the heartbreak of multiple failed pregnancies that left us with a quiet, lingering ache. Every doctor’s visit, every hope raised and dashed, had built a patience we didn’t know we possessed, but nothing could have prepared us for the joy that Justin would bring.
Our journey into foster care began almost by chance. One sunny morning, while wandering through the local Farmers Market, we met a recruiter for the agency. A casual conversation sparked something profound: the realization that we could open our hearts and home to a child in need. Adoption had always been our ultimate goal, but even in our wildest dreams, we never imagined that our very first placement would be the child who would complete our family.
From the moment Justin walked through our door, he transformed our lives. He came with a past we didn’t know, but also with a spirit that could not be dimmed. Watching him navigate his new surroundings, watching him laugh freely and discover joy in the simplest things—a splash of water in the bathtub, the thrill of chasing bubbles across the yard—reminded us how resilient children can be. He wasn’t just a foster child to us; he became the center of our universe.
Now, five years old, Justin is a happy, vibrant boy with a heart bigger than we ever imagined. His dreams stretch far beyond his years; he talks about becoming a foster parent himself when he grows up, already imagining ways to give back the love and security he has found. His enthusiasm is contagious, and his curiosity endless. At bedtime, he still squeezes our hands tightly and whispers, “I love you,” in a voice that carries the weight of a thousand unspoken stories.
Fostering to adopt is not easy. It is a path lined with paperwork, uncertainty, and moments of doubt. There are tears—many tears—but they are matched by triumphs, first steps, first words, and first declarations of love. Every challenge is worth it when you see the light of a child’s happiness shining so brightly. Justin has taught us lessons that no book or class ever could: the power of patience, the depth of unconditional love, and the way a child’s laughter can heal even the oldest wounds.
Looking back, we realize that Justin didn’t just join our family; he transformed it. He reminded us that sometimes, the family you dream of isn’t the one you plan for, but the one that finds you when the time is right. Our hearts are fuller than we ever thought possible, and our lives richer for every single moment shared with him. Fostering to adopt may be a long and difficult journey, but for us, Justin is proof that every tear, every anxious wait, and every hopeful step along the way is worth it.
Credit: Lundy Family
