Help Bring 'Little Brother' Home!

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Three years ago, I saw a little boy online though the Second Chance Adoptions website.  This agency piqued my interest because they were looking for families to re-adopt children who were having their initial adoption dissolved.  At the time, I was performing therapeutic foster care and had countless hours of training on attaching in adoption. Foster care was eye-opening, challenging, and beautiful.  I was hopeful that my training and experience in the foster care system could help a child re-attach in a new adoptive home.

My son Daniel, 12, was adopted three years ago though the Second Chance Adoption Agency. He lived with his first adoptive family for nine years.

I’ll never forget the first few moments when we met:

“You were so little, so scared and yet so inquisitive. You held on tightly to a stuffed animal as we were introduced to each other for the first time. Your smile warmed my heart and made an awkward meeting instantly better. I said hello, knelt down, and got you to give me a high-five. Within minutes, you offered up the stuffed animal, which up until then, you had held on to so tightly. It was your way of connecting with me, your new mom. I watched as your current adoptive dad let you go into my car, into my home, and out of his life.  Tears flowed down my cheeks. It was the hardest thing to see and yet the start of something beautiful.”

Over the next several days we fell further in love with each other and connected as though we had always been mother and son.  I will forever be thankful for the support of our attachment therapist, adoption agency, church, and family and friends for helping us attach and connect. 

It was been a wonderful three years being a mom to my son, Daniel.  Even with my heart full to the brim with love for him, I longed for another child.  I wanted Daniel to be a big brother.  It wasn’t long before Ian showed up on the Second Chance Adoptions website.  Here again, another sweet child, in need of a new adoptive home.  Daniel and I prayed about it and knew that Ian was the right person to join our family.

Ian was 6 and originally from Bulgaria.  Daniel and I were ready to be his new family. Ian has been a beautiful and wonderful addition to our family.  He lights up any room and brings joy to everyone. We are so thankful to have Ian in our home.

A few months ago, as the boys began to really settle in our new family setting, I knew we had room in our home and hearts for one more.  It wasn’t long before I saw Little Brother on the Second Chance website.  This sweet boy was having his adoption dissolved after being in the United States for just 8 months.  He too was from Bulgaria. I knew instantly that we would be a great family for him.

I am so excited for Daniel, Ian and Little Brother to share something so unique about their pasts. All three of my sons were originally adopted internationally and then re-adopted in the United States into a new adoptive family. My hope and prayer is that Little Brother will heal in his new home and grow into the amazing young man he was meant to be, just like his big brother Daniel and Ian.

I’ve chosen to do this on my own, with the amazing support team that I’ve put in place.  I have therapeutically trained family members, attachment therapists, social workers, and medical professionals in place to help meet the needs of my children. Of course, all this costs money and that is what has led me to create this fundraiser.  Thank you for considering a donation to our family so I can continue helping these young boys attach, love, and grow in their new home.

Donations can be made using GoFundMe platform, via the mail, or in person.  Please reach out with any questions. 

Thank you for helping to bring home Little Brother!