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The Johnsons were preparing to embrace the empty nest phase of their lives when they decided to adopt seven children. With their youngest about to finish high school, and their other kids already settled into marriage and parenthood, life was starting to quiet down. However, a Facebook post completely altered their trajectory.
In 2013, the Johnsons began fostering children, initially without the intention of adoption. This changed dramatically when they came across a post about seven siblings, aged one to twelve, who had tragically lost their parents in a car accident. “Seeing the story about these kids in need of a permanent home struck us deeply; we knew we were meant to be their parents,” said Lisa Johnson.
Although the siblings had survived the accident, some had sustained serious injuries. Both parents had spent time in foster care themselves, and now their children found themselves in the same situation. Following the accident, the siblings were moved from their hometown to a homeless shelter and then to temporary housing in San Diego.
In March 2019, the Johnsons met the siblings, and what began as weekly visits quickly evolved into overnight stays at their home. By June 7, 2019, the seven children officially moved in with them. The path to adoption was not without its challenges, especially when the pandemic forced local courts to close just days before their scheduled adoption finalization.
Fortunately, they were able to complete the adoption via Zoom on August 7, 2020. During this time, Lisa also continued her work while her husband, Tom, embraced his new role as a full-time dad, aided by a nanny.
A Day in the Johnson Household
What does a day in the Johnson household look like? Lisa explains that they follow a structured routine filled with meals, schoolwork, and plenty of outdoor activities. The children enjoy skating, trampoline jumping, swimming, and biking. Weekends are dedicated to family outings, visiting older siblings, and enjoying quality time at parks or beaches.
Now ages fifteen, thirteen, nine, eight, seven, five, and four, the siblings have brought immense joy to Lisa and Tom’s lives. Lisa cherishes the chance to introduce them to new experiences like Disneyland, horseback riding, and trips to the beach. She observes that the children’s unique personalities are flourishing as they find stability after years of instability.
Navigating Childhood Trauma
However, navigating childhood trauma remains a significant challenge for foster parents. “Each child’s trauma manifests differently,” Lisa notes. Issues like drug addiction, homelessness, violence, and neglect are common among those in foster care. Thankfully, Lisa and Tom’s prior foster care experience equipped them to support their new children effectively.
The COVID-19 pandemic has added layers of complexity to their family life. The shifting school formats – from virtual to hybrid to in-person – have created a continuous cycle of change. While the kids miss extracurricular activities, the extra time at home has allowed for deeper bonding and the chance to learn new skills, such as riding a bike.
The Foster Care Landscape
In the U.S., approximately 400,000 children are in foster care, with 120,000 awaiting adoption. Alarmingly, around 200,000 youth age out of the system each year without a family to provide love and support. Lisa encourages anyone considering foster parenting to seek out local orientation and training programs and to not hesitate to ask questions.
Witnessing the transformations of these children has been incredibly rewarding for Lisa and Tom. “We’ve seen it happen repeatedly in our home, regardless of a child’s age,” she says. They feel honored to watch their children grow into secure and loving individuals.
Resources for Further Reading
For more insights, check out this article on home insemination and learn about your options. If you’re interested in fertility journeys, make sure to visit this resource for guidance. Additionally, In Vitro Fertilisation is a great option to explore for those considering their family planning.
Search Queries
- How to adopt a child
- Foster care options
- Coping with childhood trauma
- Becoming a foster parent
- Supporting children in foster care
Summary: The Johnson family was on the verge of becoming empty nesters when they adopted seven siblings who lost their parents in a tragic accident. They navigated the complexities of fostering and adoption during a pandemic, creating a loving home for their new children. Despite challenges related to childhood trauma and the ongoing pandemic, the family has found joy in their new life together, with the children thriving in a supportive environment.
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