As they approached the empty nest phase of their lives, Jamie Thompson, a lawyer, and her husband, Mike Thompson, a retired military and postal worker, found themselves facing an unexpected turn of events. Their youngest child was set to graduate from high school, and with some of their other children married, they were beginning to relish the joys of grandparenthood. Just as life seemed to be settling into a new rhythm, a Facebook post changed everything.
The Thompsons began their fostering journey in 2015, initially without plans to adopt. However, everything shifted when Jamie came across a post about seven siblings, aged one to twelve, who had tragically lost both parents in a car accident. “When we learned about these kids needing a forever family, it struck us deeply, and we felt destined to be their parents,” Jamie recalled.
Despite miraculously surviving the accident, the siblings had sustained various injuries. Both of their parents had been in foster care themselves, and now their children found themselves in the same situation. Following the tragedy, the siblings were moved from their hometown to a homeless shelter before eventually relocating to temporary housing in San Diego.
In May 2020, Jamie and Mike met the children. The family quickly transitioned from weekly visits to overnight stays, leading to the siblings officially moving in with the Thompsons on June 15, 2020. The adoption process is often lengthy, and they faced an additional hurdle when the pandemic led to local court closures just days before their adoption was set to be finalized.
Fortunately, they were able to complete the adoption via Zoom several months later, on September 1, 2020. By that time, Mike had retired, and their youngest biological daughter had graduated high school. While Jamie continues to work, Mike embraces his new role as a full-time dad, aided by a nanny to help manage the lively household.
A Day in the Life of the Thompson Family
So, what does a typical day look like in the Thompson household? Jamie shares that their routine includes meals, schoolwork, and plenty of outdoor activities. The kids enjoy skating, jumping on the trampoline, swimming, and biking. Weekends are dedicated to family time, which often includes visiting their older siblings, trips to the park or beach, and bonding with their new nieces and nephews.
The children, now aged fifteen, thirteen, nine, eight, seven, five, and four, have brought immense joy to Jamie, who cherishes witnessing their new experiences—like trips to Disneyland, horseback riding, and beach outings. She observes that the children’s personalities are flourishing, and they are gradually feeling more secure after years of instability.
Challenges of Fostering
However, navigating childhood trauma proves to be one of the greatest challenges for foster parents. Jamie emphasizes that “the manifestations of trauma vary significantly from child to child.” Experiences such as drug addiction, homelessness, violence, and neglect are sadly common among those in foster care. Fortunately, Jamie and Mike’s prior fostering experience equipped them to better support their new children.
The COVID-19 pandemic has added to the family’s challenges. With ever-changing school plans—from virtual to hybrid to in-person—the children have had to adapt to constant shifts in routine. They miss participating in sports, art, and various clubs, but the extra time at home has allowed for greater bonding and opportunities to learn new skills, like riding a bike.
The Importance of Fostering
In the U.S., approximately 400,000 children are currently in foster care, with 120,000 waiting for a forever family. Tragically, 200,000 youths age out of the system annually without the support of a loving family. Jamie encourages those interested in fostering to seek out orientation and training opportunities in their area, reassuring that “the transformations” children undergo are incredibly rewarding. “We’ve witnessed it time and again in our home, regardless of the child’s age,” she states, proud to have watched her kids “develop into secure and beloved individuals.”
For more information on the journey of fostering and parenting, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and consider exploring this guide for further insights. If you’re considering starting a family, BabyMaker provides comprehensive information on home insemination.
Probable Search Queries:
- How to become a foster parent
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Summary:
The Thompson family was on the verge of becoming empty nesters when they decided to adopt seven siblings who had lost their parents in a tragic accident. Their journey through foster care and eventual adoption was filled with challenges, particularly navigating the impacts of childhood trauma and the COVID-19 pandemic. With love and support, the children are thriving in their new home, showcasing the profound transformations that can occur in a nurturing environment.