Building our dream family: a journey through love and adoption
From an early age, I always imagined having a family grounded in love, with bonds that went deeper than blood. My husband, Christopher, and I have spent countless evenings dreaming about welcoming a child who would always know they're cherished and safe in our home.
Built on love and healing journeys that led us there, this shared dream was born long before we even met. Christopher and I have our own childhood stories—different, yet united by a common theme: resilience and growth through adversity.
Reflecting on childhood: shaping our dream's foundation
Growing up, I saw my mother tackle life as a single parent with unwavering determination. My parents, divorced and later both remarried, were loving but distant in their own ways. My father's visits were rare and guidance sparse, while my mom's second husband brought more chaos than stability. Yet, through it all, my mother's steadfast dedication left a lasting imprint on my heart.
Christopher, on his part, faced abandonment at a young age. Fortunately, his paternal aunt stepped in, providing him with love and stability, shaping him
into someone I fell deeply in love with. Our similar pasts, filled with loss and longing, have guided our desire
to create a family rooted in unconditional love—the kind we yearned
for as kids.
A shared vision: embracing adoption and older children
Our histories led us toward a pivotal choice in our marriage: adopting an older child. We know firsthand how important a nurturing environment can be, especially
for those who've been overlooked.
This significant decision came together under twinkling café lights one crisp autumn evening. Over espresso, we talked about our future and pledged
to adopt older children, making our shared vision a reality.
Breaking cycles: our promise
of love and acceptance
For us, adopting isn't just about growing our family;
it's about breaking cycles and building a home filled with love. It's a commitment
to provide love and acceptance, especially
to children who've been marginalized or told they don't matter.
We hope
to adopt a teen between 12 and 18, as older kids in foster care face huge barriers
to finding families. In 2021, only a tiny percentage
of kids adopted were nine or older,
despite many kids waiting being eight or above. These stats are worrying, with many aging out
of foster care without a family,
often encountering challenges like unemployment and homelessness.
Addressing challenges: our perspective as Black queer men
As Black queer men, we feel deeply connected
to issues Black children face in foster care. These kids are overrepresented and frequently shuffled between homes. Our journey's also shaped
by our identity as a same-sex couple. Research shows kids raised
by LGBTQ+ parents thrive owing
to openness and support these families often provide.
Our commitment: creating a loving and accepting home
As part
of LGBTQ+ communities, we know
the power
of chosen families and crafting safe spaces
for identities
to blossom. We're committed
to fostering a home filled with acceptance and belonging, where a child feels valued and supported.
For us, adopting means being there when a child needs us most. While we're still preparing emotionally and financially, we're committed
to this journey, creating a family
that heals not only us but provides a child with an opportunity
to thrive.
If you're thinking about adoption, remember there are thousands
of older children waiting
for families. Every child deserves love, visibility, and a chance
to flourish. Together, we aim
to be that new beginning
for a young person needing it most.
Join our newsletter
to stay updated with stories mattering
to LGBTQ+ communities.
A shared vision: embracing adoption and older children
Our histories led us toward a pivotal choice in our marriage: adopting an older child. We know firsthand how important a nurturing environment can be, especially
for those who've been overlooked.
This significant decision came together under twinkling café lights one crisp autumn evening. Over espresso, we talked about our future and pledged
to adopt older children, making our shared vision a reality.
Breaking cycles: our promise
of love and acceptance
For us, adopting isn't just about growing our family;
it's about breaking cycles and building a home filled with love. It's a commitment
to provide love and acceptance, especially
to children who've been marginalized or told they don't matter.
We hope
to adopt a teen between 12 and 18, as older kids in foster care face huge barriers
to finding families. In 2021, only a tiny percentage
of kids adopted were nine or older,
despite many kids waiting being eight or above. These stats are worrying, with many aging out
of foster care without a family,
often encountering challenges like unemployment and homelessness.
Addressing challenges: our perspective as Black queer men
As Black queer men, we feel deeply connected
to issues Black children face in foster care. These kids are overrepresented and frequently shuffled between homes. Our journey's also shaped
by our identity as a same-sex couple. Research shows kids raised
by LGBTQ+ parents thrive owing
to openness and support these families often provide.
Our commitment: creating a loving and accepting home
As part
of LGBTQ+ communities, we know
the power
of chosen families and crafting safe spaces
for identities
to blossom. We're committed
to fostering a home filled with acceptance and belonging, where a child feels valued and supported.
For us, adopting means being there when a child needs us most. While we're still preparing emotionally and financially, we're committed
to this journey, creating a family
that heals not only us but provides a child with an opportunity
to thrive.
If you're thinking about adoption, remember there are thousands
of older children waiting
for families. Every child deserves love, visibility, and a chance
to flourish. Together, we aim
to be that new beginning
for a young person needing it most.
Join our newsletter
to stay updated with stories mattering
to LGBTQ+ communities.
Addressing challenges: our perspective as Black queer men
As Black queer men, we feel deeply connected
to issues Black children face in foster care. These kids are overrepresented and frequently shuffled between homes. Our journey's also shaped
by our identity as a same-sex couple. Research shows kids raised
by LGBTQ+ parents thrive owing
to openness and support these families often provide.
Our commitment: creating a loving and accepting home
As part
of LGBTQ+ communities, we know
the power
of chosen families and crafting safe spaces
for identities
to blossom. We're committed
to fostering a home filled with acceptance and belonging, where a child feels valued and supported.
For us, adopting means being there when a child needs us most. While we're still preparing emotionally and financially, we're committed
to this journey, creating a family
that heals not only us but provides a child with an opportunity
to thrive.
If you're thinking about adoption, remember there are thousands
of older children waiting
for families. Every child deserves love, visibility, and a chance
to flourish. Together, we aim
to be that new beginning
for a young person needing it most.
Join our newsletter
to stay updated with stories mattering
to LGBTQ+ communities.
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