The journey from fostering to adoption is one of courage, patience, and unconditional love. Laurie’s story is a heartfelt testament to this transformative process—a journey that began in 2012 and culminated in a forever bond with her daughter, Arianna.
The Start of the Foster Care Journey
Laurie and her then-husband began their foster care journey together, seeking an agency that felt like home. After exploring their options, they chose Children’s Place Association (CPA) for its welcoming environment. The PRIDE training process opened Laurie’s eyes to the realities of foster care, preparing her for the challenges ahead. It was during these classes, through conversations with other foster parents, that Laurie learned invaluable lessons, including how to care for African American children as a white parent. “I just remember being so grateful to learn from others in the class. Without those conversations, I wouldn’t have known about something as important as hair care,” she says.
Just eight weeks into caring for Arianna, Laurie faced a life-altering decision: to seek a divorce. Terrified that this would jeopardize Arianna’s placement, she turned to her caseworker, Miss Almeta, for guidance. “It was the hardest phone call I ever made,” Laurie recalls. “I didn’t want to lose this baby, and I didn’t know what to do,” Almeta reassured her that she could continue fostering herself as a single parent, walking Laurie through the process of updating her license to reflect her new circumstances. “From then on,” Laurie says, “it’s been the Laurie and Arianna show.”
Welcoming Arianna
Arriving on May 28, 2013, Arianna entered the world as a fighter. She was born prematurely at 27 weeks, weighing only two pounds, and spent seven weeks in the NICU. Although she received excellent medical care, Laurie was heartbroken to learn that Arianna didn’t have anyone there to hold her during those critical early weeks. “Babies, especially NICU babies, need touch and comfort. “I wish someone had been there for her,” Laurie reflects.
When Laurie met Arianna on July 19th, she was a tiny five-pound bundle, and it was love at first sight. “I was in love from the second I laid eyes on her,” Laurie shares. “This baby is safe here. This is going to be great.” Laurie remembers the surreal feeling of bringing Arianna home and navigating those first days with determination and love.
Arianna’s first year brought significant health challenges, including frequent illnesses, pneumonia, and even seizures. During this time, Laurie relied heavily on CPA’s Foster Care Nurse, Christina. She provided invaluable care and guidance, helping Laurie navigate her daughter’s medical needs. “Christina was a light of life,” Laurie shares. While facing health complications, Arianna remained a happy and easy baby, and thankfully she grew out of the seizures.
The Complexities of Foster Care
Foster care is filled with challenges, and Laurie experienced them firsthand. While the goal of fostering is reunification, it often comes with heartbreak. Laurie brought Arianna to appointments with her birth mother, but many times, her mother didn’t show up. Despite these struggles, Laurie supported the process and held hope that reunification might someday be possible.
In early 2016, the courts terminated Arianna’s birth mother’s parental rights, paving the way for adoption. Her father had already relinquished his parental rights earlier in the process, choosing not to be involved. Even after adoption, Laurie held hope of her daughter having a relationship with her birth mother. Tragically, Arianna’s birth mother was murdered in 2020. Laurie now attends court proceedings against the alleged perpetrator to honor the memory of Arianna’s mother and to advocate for her daughter.
“Even amongst the hard choices her mom made, she was still a person worth loving and worth fighting for,” Laurie says. “I want my daughter to know her mother was valuable and loved, and that someone is standing up for her.”
A Forever Bond
On November 21, 2016, Laurie and Arianna celebrated their adoption—a day Laurie describes as completing their family. The two now mark this milestone yearly with a “family day” celebration.
At 11 years old, Arianna is a joyful, resilient, and sassy preteen. Though she faces some challenges, including ADHD and academic struggles, Laurie marvels at her strength and humor. “She is absolutely my favorite human,” Laurie says. “The opportunity to be her mom is not taken lightly. I am incredibly grateful.”
A Village of Support
Laurie credits her success to her caseworker, Miss Almeta, and nurse Christina. Almeta was a steady presence, guiding Laurie through the foster care system and offering steadfast support during challenging moments. “She became this safe haven in a storm I didn’t know how to navigate. She was my cheerleader and taught me everything I needed to know,” Laurie recalls.
Arianna’s nurse, Christina, brought warmth and positivity during challenging times. “Christina always showed up with a smile, ready to answer questions, and was incredible with Arianna” adds Laurie. I can’t imagine the strength it takes to show up with that much joy, knowing the trauma many of these kids have faced. She was such a constant source of positivity and care for both of us.”
Gratitude and Hope
Laurie’s journey from fostering to adoption is a testament to love, resilience, and the power of support. Her advice to prospective foster parents is simple: “Seek out other foster parents. This isn’t something you can do alone. Having a strong support system is invaluable.”
Reflecting on her journey, Laurie is filled with gratitude. “The opportunity to be Arianna’s mom is the greatest blessing of my life,” she says. This story is a beautiful reminder of the transformative power of love in creating forever families.
