A Series of Heartwarming Success Stories
Umlaut Foundation wishes to take a moment to thank social workers and foster parents for constantly making sacrifices and efforts toward the wellbeing of foster children. The dedication required for these professions is equally rewarding as it is challenging. Everyone serving the foster care system open their hearts and arms to those who need it most by helping vulnerable children and creating a safe environment. Thank you.
Today, we follow two stories: one of a single foster parent and one of a dedicated mother as they journey through the world, interacting with and becoming a part of the foster care system.
Kate Wilson had always wanted to be an adoptive mother. One day, she told herself, "I'm done waiting. I'm not going to say one day anymore. I'm going to do it now by myself." She resolved to go through the process of becoming a foster parent. Her first child was with her for six months, and Wilson had the opportunity to reunite that child with her biological mother. She says it was equal parts rewarding and heartbreaking. Still, her ultimate goal was to create a safe, healthy environment for that child.
Sometime later, Wilson was blessed with another opportunity; she got a call for the placement of a young girl, along with her three siblings. She fell in love with these kids, but she also understood that the struggle to gain their trust would be an ongoing process. They had been in multiple foster homes; Wilson was ready to give them security. One day, Wilson received news that the children were up for adoption. She met with their biological mother, and the two agreed that Wilson was in a better position to care for them. The adoption process went smoothly. Their family was officially together, and Wilson says it was "everything I ever hoped and dreamed but so much more." The new mother keeps the kids in contact with their biological mother and their family in hopes of creating a childhood full of love and comfort.
Pursuing a similar story, a dedicated mother overcomes her addiction and goes through the strenuous process of finding her biological children to become a family once again. When Jessica Lazier failed a routine work drug test, her two daughters were removed and placed into the foster care system. Lazier's drug addiction had been rampant since her teenage years. When it reached the point that her daughters could no longer stay with their mother, the US Department of Home Security had to step in. Lazier went to rehab under the DHS mandate. The chance of being reunited with her kids motivated her to get through. However, she needed to prove that she could take care of her children. The foster parents of her children helped Lazier through her recovery; Andrew Baker said she "hit the ground running." Months later, on Christmas morning, a social worker called Lazier to give her a gift she'd never forget. Now reunited, Lazier says she has become a much better mother to her daughters. Those around her say that she is more present in her daughters' lives.
We would like to thank people like the two highlighted in this article. Your efforts and hardships will never go unnoticed, and you have contributed greatly to this world. Thank you for everything.