Alex wanted to be a mom, and Rob wanted to be a dad. With Wayfinder’s help they now have the family they longed for. And their children have the loving home they deserve.
The couple approached Wayfinder to adopt through foster care. “I’d seen so many sibling groups be split up between separate homes over the years in my job,” says Alex. “Adopting a sibling group is where we decided to put our hearts.”
Very shortly after being trained and certified by Wayfinder as foster parents, 5-year-old Samantha and 10-year-old Eddie arrived. This was the children’s eighth foster home—but it would be their forever home. “I told them, this is our first time being parents,” Alex recalls, “so you let us know if we’re doing a good job.”
All the pieces fell quickly into place. “We were ready to become parents, and they wanted parents so badly,” Alex says. “We call it a match made in heaven.” Thoughtful, quiet Eddie had been struggling academically, but all he needed was support and stability from his new parents. Now, he is in his high school’s honors program. Samantha had behavioral challenges, but when Alex and Rob made her feel wanted and loved, she transformed into her spunky, funny self.
“Every once in a while, they would tell us, ‘You’re doing a good job,’” Alex remembers. “And I said, ‘Okay, thanks.’”
After a few years, Alex convinced Rob that they should contact Wayfinder about a third child—a little sister. Four-year-old Emma joined the family last year. After just one day, Samantha and Eddie became “Sissy” and “Bubba,” her beloved big sister and brother.
“Sissy and Bubba adore Emma,” Rob says. “Emma is the sweetest little girl. It was recently Alex’s birthday. Over and over again, Emma would grab Alex by the cheeks and say ‘Happy birthday, Mama!’”
“I refer to Ella as our bonus baby,” says Alex. “She loves being called that and feels very special.”
“I can’t imagine loving anybody in this world more than I love my kids,” Alex says, tearing up. “Wayfinder helped us create a family. I will be forever indebted to them for matching us with our kids. And for helping my kids find the loving parents that they needed.”
*names and some minor details changed to protect privacy.
Friends like you enable Wayfinder to find loving foster and adoptive homes for hundreds of children each year. Your contribution also helps us meet the needs of children and adults with vision loss and multiple disabilities, children and youth who need temporary shelter due to abuse or neglect, and so many more. Please consider a gift today to help them.
November 21, 2022