There’s nothing worse than feeling unwanted and rejected – especially without a family to call your own.
17-year old Akyra knows this all too well as she spent more than 10-years in the foster system being tossed from place to place.
Just when she had given up all hope of ever finding a permanent and loving home – a miracle took place.
Katie Holstein was a foster mom who was used to taking care of children and helping out local families.
She had fostered over 16 children giving them a safe place to call home – even if it was temporary.
Then one day she got a call from her social worker asking if she’d take in a teen girl named Akyra just for the weekend.
As it turns out, Akyra got along great with her family – even bonding with other children Katie was fostering at the time.
Akyra continued to come and go throughout the years – sometimes taking a quick respite stay in Katie’s home – other times staying a bit longer.
Naturally, Akyra was tired of moving from family to family and begged to stay with Katie until she aged out of the system.
After all, this poor teen had been with 24 different families in her short life – one can’t even imagine how unsettling it must feel to never put down solid roots.
Akyra’s one wish was to not have to spend another day in the foster care system – and Katie was able to grant her wish!
Just 3 days before her 17th birthday – Katie made it official and officially adopted Akyra as her daughter!
Love What Matters reported:
“If our story does anything, I hope it inspires more people to open their homes to fostering. You don’t need to have it all together. God knows I didn’t. If I had waited for the ‘right time,’ I would have missed my kiddos. I promise you, there are children in your community right now who need a safe place to land and they’re not going to care you’re on a budget, have a small house, aren’t married, or are still trying to figure this whole parenting thing out. They need willing families, not perfect ones.
Say yes to older kids. You’re gonna hear the horror stories and I won’t lie, it’s not all sunshine and roses. But let me tell you how much sweeter those roses smell when you have to climb through the trenches to reach them. Every kid deserves a family. Every single one. Even the ones who insist they don’t because they’re almost grown. Especially them.”
What an amazing gift.
Many people are hesitant to adopt older teens due to stereotypes – but as Katie pointed out – the risk is worth it.
Cheers to Katie for stepping out in faith!
We wish Akyra and Katie all the success as they continue to build a home and life together as a family!
(h/t Mommy Underground)