There are not too many things sweeter than becoming a father. But times that by 5 and you’ve got a complete world of joy.
Robert Carter of Hamilton County, Ohio, adopted five children – siblings, actually – that he did not want to separate by adopting just one of them. He adopted Marionna, Makayla, Robert, Giovanni and Kiontae. And Robert can relate to their one-time fears of being adopted out one by one.
He himself went into foster care in Ohio when he was only 12 years old, and he didn’t see many of his younger siblings for many years. But once he was emancipated, he was granted custody of his younger brother and guardianship of his younger sister.
Says adoption worker Stacey Barton: “When permanent custody was awarded to JFS, the five siblings were already placed in three different foster homes. Mr. Carter was the only foster parent willing and able to adopt all of the children. His childhood background has made him aware of the importance of keeping siblings together. He says that he enjoys being their father and that parenting them is easier than he could have ever imagined! His life is busy, with a lot of love, laughter and loudness! I have enjoyed working with him and witnessing the children bond as siblings.”
Robert already was a foster parent of the boys when he met with the girls’ foster families. That made him realize he had to adopt all of them.
Says Robert: “I understand how they feel. I understand what they went through, so it really touched me. I was already thinking about adopting all of the kids but when I saw them crying, I was like, ‘Ok, I’m going to take all five to keep them together.’”
Taking care of his siblings the way he did put Robert on a direct path to adopt this family of five.
Says Robert: “(We’re) making memories to replace a lot of the bad ones. Every night I talk to them and let them know, ‘I’m your dad forever. I know what it’s like and I’m always here for you.’ Like Marionna. She’s warmed up so much since the beginning. At first, she didn’t like me. She walked in my room last night and said, ‘I just want to say thanks for taking us in and taking care of us when our real mom couldn’t.’ It just really touched me. So just making memories, letting them know I’m here and they never have to go. I’m here for them no matter what.”
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