For the past five years, my niece Mercurie Boles has been a ward of the state, ever since DCFS moved forward with terminating my sister’s rights. It’s been an incredibly difficult journey for all of us—holidays, birthdays, and countless phone calls that were sometimes long, sometimes short, and sometimes didn’t happen at all. Throughout this time, DCFS has given excuse after excuse as to why I couldn’t adopt her. The latest hurdle is my past: ten years ago, after getting out of prison, I signed a direct surrender of my rights to my two older children so their foster mom could legally adopt them. I didn’t do this because I didn’t want them—I did it because I wasn’t in a position to give them what they needed, and I wanted what was best for them. Their adoptive mother is amazing, and I have no regrets about that decision.

Today, I live in a three-bedroom home with my seven-year-old son and work full time at Caterpillar. We have a good, simple life, and I want nothing more than to bring Mercurie home. She’s been through so much—dragged through foster homes across Illinois, placed on and taken off the adoption list, and even forced to live in a conference room with no shower at one point. She’s experienced neglect, overmedication, and even attempted suicide at just nine years old while under state supervision. Now, she’s living in a group home, and all I want is to give her the love and stability she deserves. My sister and I want to co-parent and help Mercurie heal, to give her a home where she feels safe and valued.

I am asking for donations to cover the legal fees needed to adopt Mercurie. Every dollar will go directly to attorney costs, and anything extra will help make her bedroom her own. Thank you for taking the time to read, share, or donate. Your support means everything to us as we work to bring Mercurie home. Much love, and happy holidays!