I have a distinct memory from when I was in 7th or 8th grade, of coming home and finding my mother in front of the computer crying. Somehow, my mom had stumbled upon a website which featured photos of kids in foster care looking for their “forever” family. With my mom’s help, I understood in that moment, that a “family” is so much more than a group of people you are born into. It is the people who love you, lift you up, support you, and shape you into the best version of yourself.
At the start of our relationship, one of the many things that made me fall in love with my Husband was our shared desire to have a family of our own, knowing all too well that the journey to becoming parents would not be easy. It was on the long drive from Dallas, Texas (where we were married) back to Virginia that I first mentioned to Corbin how I felt called to explore adoption specifically through foster care. Luckily on that drive, we had plenty of time for soul searching and to convince ourselves that we had what it takes to be good dads.
About four years, ago Corbin and I found ourselves sitting at our dining room table with our case manager, Tracey. She was there to tell us about Liam and Ana’s journey through foster care and to gauge our interest in opening our home to these amazing kids. A home which up to that point, Corbin kept pristinely, almost psychotically clean. As we sat there listening, all I could think about was how I was going to convince Corbin that we were ready to become dads not to one, but TWO children. I expected that he would be having overwhelming anxiety at the thought of a four year old and six year old descending upon our house like a tornado. A house he had meticulously crafted to look like a West Elm home décor and furniture store. But the truth is, there was no convincing needed. Corbin was the first to break the silence by saying, “ok… when can we bring them home?”
As children, Corbin and I grew up in homes where we had a clear understanding that we were loved without conditions, and that our parents would stand behind us in the face of any challenge. We knew that our families would always be there to help us achieve even our wildest dreams. That is the home we strive to provide for Liam and Ana. A home where they can bravely face anything that might stand in their way.
People tell us that Liam and Ana are lucky to have found us, because they are growing and thriving. They turned our furniture showroom of a house into a happy home complete with bins of toys and stacks of arts and crafts projects. In that time, we have watched them blossom into active, happy, social kids. It has been our true blessing to walk alongside them in experiencing new things and gaining the self-confidence to become the best versions of themselves. We believe this to be our most challenging and rewarding responsibility as their dads. But the truth is, Corbin and I are the lucky ones to have found them.
Our kids are a testament to the success of the foster care system. They represent the love, hard work, and dedication of many professionals who served as their advocates and provided light in some very dark times. Liam and Ana experienced more hardship in the first few years of their young lives then most of us will experience in our lifetimes. They were fortunate to have extended family who welcomed them into their home and patiently kept them happy and safe until we could be brought together. We are eternally grateful for their biological Aunt and Uncle for their selflessness, compassion, and continual support. They, along with their two girls, are as much a part of our family as the many people who support us every day. We want to express our appreciation to The Department of Human Services and the court for making it possible to invite our chosen family to celebrate this momentous occasion with us. This chosen family is comprised of our relatives, friends, co-workers, and even a few people, once strangers to us, who now fiercely love and protect our kids. People like our school crossing guard who makes it a point every day to ensure Liam and Ana feel seen.
To the court, the department of human services (particularly our case managers and social worker) our Casa Worker, and the many, MANY others who made today possible. Our family wants to say thank you. Our home may be full to the brim with dirty laundry and piles of shoes in every corner, but we would not have it any other way.
Join my Family and I in "Stepping Up" to support kids, strengthen families, and to help build stability that will last for generations.
