Can you do self-insemination at home ?
In a heartwarming twist of fate, a couple on the verge of an empty nest transformed their lives by adopting seven siblings. Meet Laura and Mike Thompson, who were eagerly anticipating a quieter life as their youngest child prepared to graduate high school. With their other children married and the joy of becoming grandparents settling in, the Thompsons thought they were ready for a new chapter. That is until a compelling Facebook post changed everything.
Laura and Mike began their fostering journey in 2015, not intending to adopt. However, when Laura came across a post about seven siblings, aged one to twelve, who had lost both parents in a devastating car accident, everything shifted. “We felt an instant connection,” Laura recalled. “It was as if we were meant to be their family.”
The siblings, though miraculously alive, had sustained some serious injuries in the accident. Tragically, both parents had grown up in foster care, leaving their children in a similar situation. Following the accident, the siblings were moved from their hometown to a homeless tent shelter and then to temporary housing in San Diego.
In July 2020, Laura and Mike finally met the children. They began with weekly visits, which soon transitioned to overnight stays at the Thompson home. On July 15, 2020, the siblings officially moved in. However, the adoption process was complicated by the pandemic, which caused local courts to close just days before their scheduled finalization. Fortunately, they were able to wrap up the adoption via Zoom several months later.
As of 2021, the Thompson household now includes children aged fifteen, thirteen, nine, eight, seven, five, and four. Laura has embraced the joy of witnessing fresh experiences through their eyes, from trips to Disneyland to horseback riding adventures. The children are thriving, and their personalities are blossoming as they find a sense of safety and stability after years of turmoil.
However, navigating the aftermath of childhood trauma remains a significant challenge. Laura shared, “Every child reacts to trauma differently.” The common experiences of drug addiction, homelessness, violence, and neglect can weigh heavily on children entering foster care. Their extensive fostering experience has equipped Laura and Mike with the tools to support their new children effectively.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also introduced new hurdles for families like the Thompsons. Shifting school plans have caused constant routine changes, and their children miss participating in sports, art, and drama clubs. Nevertheless, the increased time at home has fostered stronger bonds among the siblings and provided opportunities to learn new skills, such as bike riding.
There are approximately 400,000 children in foster care in the United States, with 120,000 waiting for adoptive families. Tragically, 200,000 youths age out of the system each year without the support of a loving family. Laura encourages those interested in fostering to seek out local orientations and training, noting that the transformations they witness in children are incredibly rewarding.
“Every time we see a child flourish, it reminds us why we do this,” she said. “We have been privileged to watch them grow into secure and loved individuals.”
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Summary
Laura and Mike Thompson, poised to enjoy an empty nest, unexpectedly adopted seven siblings who had suffered a tragic loss. Their journey from fostering to adoption, complicated by the pandemic, highlights the joys and challenges of parenting children from difficult backgrounds. The Thompsons emphasize the importance of stability, love, and support for children in foster care.
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Blog post about fostering and adoption, family stories, childhood trauma, parenting challenges, and resources for foster care.