In a heartwarming turn of events, a devoted single father has officially adopted a teenage boy who was left at the hospital by his family without any explanation. Two years ago, young Lucas was abandoned by his adoptive parents when he was just 11 years old, and he fell into the foster care system.
Last autumn, Michael Thompson, a single foster dad residing in Charlotte, North Carolina, welcomed Lucas into his home, initially thinking it would only be for a few days. However, when Michael learned about Lucas’s challenging past—having been in foster care since he was two—he couldn’t bear the thought of letting him go. “From the very beginning, he called me ‘dad,’ and it was clear he meant it,” Michael shared in an interview, expressing the pride he feels when Lucas introduces him to others.
Upon discovering that Lucas’s biological parents had relinquished their rights, Michael felt an overwhelming sense of compassion. “I couldn’t comprehend how anyone could do that,” he reflected. “Once I realized he had no one, I knew I had to step in.”
Michael grew up in Uganda, where he escaped an abusive environment at the tender age of 10. He credits a supportive mentor for helping him navigate his education and learn the value of dreaming big. “I grew up in extreme poverty, with no one encouraging me to envision a better future,” he explained. After moving to the United States and achieving citizenship, Michael dedicated himself to helping vulnerable children through World Vision. Over the past three years, he has fostered 12 children.
After meeting Lucas, Michael felt a calling to be a father in every sense. “I had the space and the means, so I couldn’t let him slip away,” he said. “What someone did for me, I wanted to replicate for another.”
Jessica Ward, a social worker with Angels Foster Family Network, was instrumental in facilitating the adoption process, which was completed after Michael and Lucas relocated from Oklahoma to North Carolina. “Lucas faced challenges stemming from his abandonment and the trauma of foster care,” she noted. “Michael’s personal history has forged a deep bond between them.”
Understanding that Lucas would need time to heal from his past, Michael was determined to provide a stable home rather than let him end up in a group home. “It broke my heart to think of him going down that path,” he said. “I know many foster parents prefer younger kids, but older kids deserve love and stability, too. Lucas has been an incredible teen, and I hope others step up for older youth in the system.”
This uplifting story highlights the power of compassion and the difference one person can make in the life of a child. For more heartwarming and informative stories, check out our other posts at Home Insemination Kit, or visit Make a Mom for insights on fertility. Additionally, for those seeking resources on pregnancy and home insemination, Kindbody offers excellent information.
In summary, Michael’s journey to adopt Lucas is a touching reminder of the importance of family and support. As he continues to provide a nurturing environment, he hopes to inspire others to consider fostering and adopting older children in need.
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