Imagine never knowing what a steady job feels like, how to support yourself financially, or even having the skills to navigate life’s challenges. For children in the foster care system, turning 18 often comes with no safety net—no home to return to, no family to rely on, and no adoption to offer stability. Suddenly, they are thrust into the world with little preparation, expected to fend for themselves.
This reality is harsh. Many who age out of foster care face homelessness, struggle with addiction, and find it nearly impossible to secure or maintain employment. While most 18-year-olds are exploring colleges, learning life skills gradually with the support of their parents, or simply enjoying a few more years at home to find their footing, children in foster care have no such cushion. They are left to navigate life’s complexities alone.
In the past four years, I have fostered 19 children between the ages of 2 and 11. That was my usual rhythm—caring for younger kids, helping them feel safe, and watching them grow. But at the start of the pandemic, the foster care system faced an urgent shortage of parents, and the number of children in need was growing.
Then I received a call. Could I take in a 17-year-old boy, just for 12 months? I hesitated at first. Teenagers are often overlooked in foster care, and I had grown accustomed to caring for younger children. But understanding the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, I quickly said yes. Little did I know that Zay would enter our lives and profoundly change them—for the better.
When Zay first arrived, he tested every boundary. He was angry, scared, and distrustful. After all, he had met seven different families before ours, and he had learned to protect himself with walls and defiance. He told story after story, some meant to intimidate or push me away, yet I simply listened. I didn’t react with judgment or fear—I just listened.
Many foster parents shy away from teenagers, but I am so grateful I chose differently. Over the past year, I have watched Zay slowly open up, let his guard down, and become a genuine part of our family. I have seen his resilience, his humor, and his capacity to trust, even after so many disappointments.
Tomorrow, Zay turns 18. His birthday will be filled with hope, laughter, and the certainty that he belongs. Even as he ages out of the foster care system, he will continue to live with me, finish high school, and have the chance to stay with us until he is ready to stand on his own. And when the time comes for him to face life’s responsibilities, I will be there every step of the way, guiding him, cheering him on, and supporting him.
Tomorrow is more than a birthday—it’s a blessing. I am grateful for the chance to help Zay build the life he deserves and to witness him grow into the amazing young man I know he will become. To anyone considering fostering: don’t overlook teenagers. Taking in a teen may be life-changing—for them, and for you. You might just discover a journey of hope, love, and growth you never expected.
