One day I will wake up and everything will be different, easier. Right now, though, life feels so overwhelming; like I am barely keeping my head above water. Being a parent is not easy. Despite the basic instinct to share only the highlight reel as a means of preserving dignity or to camouflage the truth, everyone is fighting a battle that no one else sees or understands. As a means of catharsis – and to possibly help someone else feel less alone – I’d like to share more about my struggles as an adoptive parent.
Our Foster Care Adoption Story
According to a report by the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS), there were more than 407,000 children in foster care in September 2020 [“This report reflects all AFCARS data received as of October 4, 2021 related to AFCARS reporting periods through September 30, 2020.”]. That is a staggering, heartbreaking statistic.
People make the choice to become foster parents for different reasons. I’d like to share my own story of becoming a foster (and eventual adoptive) parent.