Sam and his son, Max, relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina, a year prior. Sam had been a foster parent for several years before officially adopting Max. They had aspirations of becoming a foster family for other children, but moving to a new state meant navigating the lengthy approval process. After nearly a year of waiting, they finally received approval just as stay-at-home orders began across many states, including North Carolina.
“I was aware that the chances of receiving a placement were slim to none. All the offices were shut down, and families had been in lockdown for almost two weeks,” Sam recalls. However, against all odds, that was when the unexpected call came through. “Would you be open to fostering a 7-year-old boy during quarantine?”
Sam was provided with some background about the boy the social workers were recommending. “I was taken aback but listened carefully as they explained why they needed my help during this difficult time.” Everyone understood the enormity of the request, especially considering the lockdown. “We had already been in quarantine for over two weeks, and I couldn’t fathom bringing someone new into our home. I had no idea about his past or who he had been around.”
Despite taking all the necessary precautions to keep himself and Max safe, Sam wrestled with the decision of whether to take in another child. He had countless questions. Why did this little boy need a home now? What had happened to his family? What would become of him if he remained without a place to go? “All I could think about were the what-ifs. My mind was racing,” he reflected.
Family Decisions Together
When Sam spoke to Max about the call regarding the potential foster child, he found him engrossed in video games. Still, Max listened intently. “How old is he?” he asked.
“Seven,” Sam replied.
Max continued, “Well, he’s probably going to be annoying, but at least he can play games with me.” Sam felt a wave of relief wash over him, thinking, “Okay, that wasn’t too bad…” Then he heard Max say, “Can he go biking with me when he gets here?”
At that moment, Sam knew they had to welcome the little boy into their home. “It was heartwarming to see Max so excited to share his world with him. I realized we had to take this risk to provide a loving and safe environment for this child.”
After agreeing to the arrangement and before the boy’s arrival, Sam was filled with uncertainty about what the future held for them during the pandemic. However, he was confident that he and Max would do everything in their power to ensure the boy felt safe and loved.
The Power of Family Love
Just a few hours later, the boy arrived at their home. “I didn’t realize how small and unsure he would appear. I wondered if he had ever stayed with a family like ours before,” Sam recalls. Then, something beautiful unfolded. When the little boy laid eyes on Max, his face lit up with a radiant smile, illuminating the entire room. The two boys quickly introduced themselves and dove into the garage, excitedly sifting through countless Lego pieces to create unique structures.
In that moment, Sam knew they had made the right choice.
Taking Chances for Family
The foster care system has faced severe challenges during the pandemic, from concerns about virus transmission to court closures and suspended family visits. Historically, crises often lead to increased domestic and child abuse, raising concerns for many vulnerable foster children who may find themselves with nowhere to turn.
Despite the circumstances, Sam felt a profound sense of duty to meet the needs of others, especially children in precarious situations. “A house is only a home when it is shared, even during the toughest times.”
May is National Foster Care Month, and it’s an opportune time to extend kindness to families and children in need. Here are a few ways you can contribute: deliver a care package, order meals for families, offer to run errands, or reach out to local foster care agencies to see how you can help.
Ultimately, what matters most is coming together as a family and sharing what you can with those waiting for support. As for Sam, Max, and their new family member, they are thriving together and are even preparing to welcome a new puppy into their home.
For more on resilience and family support, visit this blog post. You can also explore this authority on the topic or check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a single dad named Sam stepped up to foster a 7-year-old boy while navigating the challenges of lockdown. With the support of his son Max, they created a loving environment for their new family member. This story exemplifies the importance of family and community support during difficult times.