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Growing up, my dad desperately wanted a boy. Instead, he got my sister and I. I remember him frequently talking about adopting a boy, however, my mother would never agree. He somewhat lucked out when he married my stepmother who already had a son, however, I know that if he could, he would still adopt children. He’s been on two missions trips and each time I have expected for him to come back and tell me that he got an expedited adoption and I should come over to meet my new little brother. I’ll admit that growing up, I secretly prayed that my mother would agree to an adoption so I could have a younger sibling. As I have grown up and started my own family, I frequently consider adoption down the line after I am finished having children of my own. Adoption and foster parenting have always held a special place in my heart.
Did you know since the launch of the AdoptUSKids campaign in 2004, more than 22,000 are now home with their adoptive families? As wonderful as that is, unfortunately, more than 402,000 children are still in foster care in the US alone, with over 102,000 children under 18 currently ready for adoption. That statistic is staggering to me to hear. What’s even more heartbreaking, is that 23% of the children ready for adoption are waiting to be adopted with a sibling, which is often times much harder.
“Adopting Deanta and Ranija is the most important thing that I have done in my life,” said Raenell Crenshaw, an adoptive parent who adopted her two children out of foster care, “I am so glad that my husband and I were able to keep them together. Having a brother or sister is such an influential and life-defining relationship. I want to encourage all prospective parents to think about the importance of keeping siblings together. I am so happy that I welcomed them both into our family.”
Here’s a video with more information from an adoptee. You can click on the YouTube icon to view more PSA from AdoptUSKids:
- Being stable, mature, dependable, and flexible
- Having the ability to advocate for children
- Being a team player with your family or child welfare worker
We're Parents is a unique mom and dad natural parenting blog focusing on topics such as breastfeeding, babywearing, and car seat safety. You'll also find Delicious recipes, inspired travel recommendations, and more as you journey with us through parenting. 
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