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As they were on the brink of becoming empty nesters, Linda and Mark Johnson, a retired military couple, found their lives taking an unexpected turn. With their youngest of five children nearing high school graduation and their older kids starting families of their own, they were looking forward to enjoying grandparenthood. However, a single Facebook post changed everything.
The Johnsons began their journey into fostering in 2013, initially without the intention of adoption. That changed when Linda came across a heart-wrenching story about seven siblings, aged one to twelve, who had tragically lost both parents in a car accident. “When we read about these kids needing a forever home, it struck us so deeply that we felt destined to be their parents,” Linda shared.
Despite surviving the accident, the children had suffered various injuries. Their parents, both of whom had experienced foster care, had left behind a complicated legacy. After the accident, the siblings were shuffled between a homeless tent shelter and temporary housing in San Diego.
In March 2019, Linda and Mark met the children, beginning with supervised visits that soon progressed to overnight stays. On June 7, 2019, the seven siblings officially moved in. However, the family faced an unexpected setback when the pandemic caused a delay in finalizing the adoption process. Just four days before the scheduled court date, local courts closed. Thankfully, they were able to complete the finalization via Zoom a few months later, on August 7, 2020. That same year, Mark retired, and their youngest biological daughter graduated from high school. Linda continues to work while Mark adapts to his new role as a full-time dad, supported by a nanny.
A Day in the Johnson Household
What does a typical day look like in the Johnson household? Linda describes a structured routine filled with meals, schoolwork, and plenty of outdoor play. The kids engage in activities like skating, trampoline jumping, swimming, and biking. Weekends center around family time, visiting their older siblings, and enjoying outings to the park or beach.
The children, now aged fifteen, thirteen, nine, eight, seven, five, and four, are flourishing. Linda delights in experiencing new adventures through their eyes, from trips to Disneyland to horseback riding and beach outings. After navigating years of instability, the children’s personalities are blossoming, and they are beginning to feel more secure in their new home.
Challenges of Fostering
However, fostering children comes with its unique challenges, particularly regarding trauma. Linda explains, “Childhood trauma can show up in many different ways.” Issues such as drug addiction, homelessness, violence, and neglect are unfortunately common among children in foster care. The Johnsons’ previous fostering experiences have equipped them with the skills to support their new children effectively.
The COVID-19 pandemic has added another layer of difficulty, with school plans shifting from virtual learning to in-person classes and back again. The children miss extracurricular activities like sports and arts, but the extra time at home has allowed for deeper family bonding and the development of new skills, such as learning to ride bikes.
The Importance of Foster Care
In the United States, there are approximately 400,000 children in foster care, with 120,000 awaiting adoption. Alarmingly, around 200,000 youth age out of the system each year without the support of a loving family. Linda encourages anyone considering fostering to explore local orientations and training opportunities. She emphasizes that witnessing the positive transformations in children is immensely rewarding. “We’ve seen it happen time and again in our home, regardless of the child’s age,” she reflects, proud of how her children are growing into secure and loved individuals.
Additional Resources
For more insights on family planning and home insemination, check out this informative post on intracervical insemination. If you’re seeking expert advice on navigating your fertility journey, Make a Mom is a trusted resource. Additionally, the CDC offers excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Linda and Mark Johnson were preparing for an empty nest when an opportunity to adopt seven siblings changed their lives. After navigating challenges including the pandemic and childhood trauma, the family has settled into a joyful routine filled with love and new experiences. Their journey highlights the importance of foster care and the transformative power of family.