While registering as a foster parent, the man thought it was a great idea. He was signing up for a safe place for struggling children, looking for people to care for them. But he did not know what was coming his way.
Children who were rejected and failed… not once but twice, by the people who were supposed to be their protectors.
This is the story of Anthony, a child who changes a man’s life.
Before Anthony became a part of his life, he was already acting as a foster parent for two amazing brothers, aged four and 10. Their bond developed quickly; they brought each other happiness, and the boys were like sunshine on rainy days.
However, this only lasted for 7 months.
Everything changed when the court gave its verdict that the reunification of the brothers with their parents had to happen, so he had no other option but to let go. It was like a sudden thunderstorm that took away so much from him. The man had the heaviest heart driving back home, knowing how the children who became his life were no longer going to be there to make his heart happy. The feelings were bittersweet because although the man wasn’t satisfied that they were gone, at least their actual family accepted them.
4 days after the ruling, the man received a call from one of his social workers asking for a favour.
He asked if the man could take in an 11-year-old boy for one weekend. Despite telling her that he wasn’t ready because of the emotional toll previous events took on his health, the woman was able to convince him.
So, in a few hours at 3 a.m., he welcomed Anthony for the weekend. The man prepared himself mentally so that no questions would be asked and he wouldn’t get attached emotionally.
A two-day placement, and everything will be over.
While Peter welcomed the boy, he introduced himself and said, ‘You can call me Mr.Peter. ’ What the boy said in return about 20 minutes later sent shivers down the man’s spine.
‘Can I call you Dad?’
He was too stunned to speak. Children are reluctant to form a bond with their foster parents, but he wasn’t even a foster parent. The boy had been here for two days and wanted an immediate connection!
Still stuck on what had happened just 4 days ago, Peter responded, ‘No, no, no… you’re only here for 2 days.’
In the blink of an eye, Monday was here; it was time for the boy to leave.
He told the social worker to pick him up early in the morning as he had to be in Texas by 11 a.m., which was a lie, so she arrived early. With thoughts jumping up, the man finally gathered to ask the social worker why the boy was in foster care.
What he heard broke his heart.
When Anthony was just two, his birth mother abandoned him. Later, he did get adopted by a family in Oklahoma, but that didn’t last long either. When he turned 10, they dropped him off at the hospital and drove off. They never came back.
The worst part was that they also did the same with his older brother a year ago.
The man was left in shock, too surprised to utter a word. Of course, no child deserved that. How can someone sign for parental rights and disappear?
Peter asked, “Where is he going now?”
‘A group home. There’s no placement’ She replied.
This is where the man’s heart screamed, “I can’t let this happen to that innocent boy.” A boy who, in his first meetup, called him ‘Dad.’ In an instant, Peter decided to become a foster parent again. This is precisely what could heal Peter and the boy.
The papers were signed, and on 12 November, Anthony officially became Peter’s son. Giving him his last name made him proud.
The journey wasn’t easy, but Peter came across one of the best moments of his life, something that made him believe in second chances. Anthony was a magical boy. He has already read over 500 books, made new friends at church, and continues to show resilience in every possible way.
Now, Peter and Anthony live in harmony. They are building a home for children who might need a safe space. The most unexpected people can make your life beautiful in ways you can’t ever imagine!
