We humans spend most of our lives wishing for more and for better, and just like that, we lose so much on the way and eventually lose ourselves, too. It is okay to chase your dreams and expect better than what you have, but the ideology that you need someone to grow and move forward in life needs to be changed. Things never get easier until you do things for yourself. Waiting for more money and the perfect partner are not the only two things your life should revolve around, as letting go and holding on are two powerful things that keep humans from doing a lot in life.
Lauren always wanted and loved the idea of adoption, or at least becoming a foster mom, but the only thing that did not make her chase the dream was that she wanted it after she had a husband. In 2019, she was finally tired of all the waiting, and so, with turning 26, she moved forward with taking classes to become a licensed foster parent. The journey was something she had little knowledge of; however, she knew she had the capabilities of doing it all alone.
This mindset changed everything for her, and within a year, all that she had been waiting for for so many years was finally coming true. Achieving something did not mean the journey was easy for her, but it is a lesson on how it is okay to embark on new journeys even when unfamiliar with where the road will take you. When she first shared how she was ready to become a foster mother, although so many people around her, especially her loved ones, did encourage her, countless women who also feared taking the first step came forward with a sea of questions.
To each of them, Lauren told how she was aware that the journey would be challenging, but she was sure she could do it. However, the questions inside Lauren’s head were endless, too. Thoughts like losing her family and failing at achieving something she wanted to do for so long were scary. However, it is vital to see the bright side of things too; thus, Lauren chose to read and explore countless stories of single mothers as foster parents, which gave her immense motivation and encouraged her not to give up.
At this point, she knew life was not a bed of roses, and she did not have to wait for it to become perfect either; thus, why not risk it all? The past five years of Laurens’ life were tough on her, as she suffered major traumas, fought drug addiction, and faced abuse- she faced it all alone without complaint. She recalls spending countless nights sobbing on the bathroom floors and the strength it took to carry herself to bed. The uncertainties and pain were numerous, but her strength was immense!
All this was a reminder of how much strength she held, and this time, she was sure she would not give up on such beautiful dreams, one that could bring the glimmer of hope and surround her with love and laughter for the rest of her life. If she had not said yes that day, she would have missed out on experiencing the beauty of motherhood without becoming a mother. The unconditional love she has for the twin sons, whom she chose to foster for two years, is something she had never felt before in life.
Since they became a part of her life, she has focused on providing them a quality life. She wishes to be surrounded by their laughter and to be their safe place for the rest of her life, too. She would have missed the beauty of adopting the same babies she had taken care of for two whole years. Her friends did the adoption.
Not only this, but just because she chose to follow her dreams does not mean she gave up the rest she dreamt of. On her journey, Lauren met the love of her life and is now a stepmother to his daughter. They are a beautiful family of five, including two sons whom the couple chose to foster. Her intention behind putting forward her story was to inspire the ones waiting for life to get ‘Perfect’. Start now with unshakeable faith and see where God takes you!
