Here to Stay

How A Foster Family's Decision to Help Other Families With Respite Led To A Life-Changing Move For One Little Girl

Angie and her family met 10-year-old Meghan* a year ago when her single foster mother was in need of a respite. Meghan lived just a couple minutes up the road and needed a place to stay for two weeks. Little did they know, Meghan was destined to “stay” much longer. The two weeks flew by, and in the months that followed the family maintained a relationship with Meghan. On weekends, they would scoop her up for church, birthday parties, and fun outings. One day, Meghan’s foster mother shared with them that Meghan was in need of a pre-adoptive home.

From her point of view, they already seemed like a second family to Meghan.

“We hadn’t expected our fostering journey to lead to a potential adoption so soon. As we considered it, my husband had us list reasons why we couldn’t take her, and we honestly couldn’t think of a single reason to say no. She was already such a huge part of our lives,” shared Angie.

While everyone quarantined, Meghan moved into their home. As schools moved to distance learning, Angie would spend 4 to 5 hours a day keeping Meghan engaged with her studies. Prior to moving in, she had been struggling in school. Seeing her potential, Angie advocated for her to not be held back and found her a great tutor. In just a month and half, Meghan’s grades went from D’s and F’s to A’s and B’s!

In the coming days, Meghan is looking forward to making her room her own, with pastelcolored walls and unicorn decorations throughout. She is also excited about having a 13-year-old big sister.

“This is where I want home to be,” Meghan told Angie and Jonathan one night.

It’s clear that for her, family has nothing to do with blood, but everything to do with love and belonging.

*Name was changed to protect the identity of the children 4KIDS serves.