Most kids who enter the foster care system struggle to feel at home with their families. For whatever reason, their own biological parents aren't able to care for them, so they're placed with a family that can provide.
Unfortunately, many children in foster care get bounced around from home to home. It can be challenging for both the children and the families, but it's all worth it when you see a happy ending for the child.
Sometimes, children in foster care are able to go back to their biological parents; other times, they're adopted by caring families.
Stella is a little girl who had to spend 903 days in foster care. Finally, on December 5, 2017, she was adopted by her foster mom and now has a loving forever family.
Check out the incredible pictures below to see how excited Stella's new family is to have her after 903 days in the foster care system.
Thumbnail Photo: Facebook / Love What Matters
Stella's new mom, Erica, shared her story on the Facebook page Love What Matters, where it got a lot of attention.
Erica wrote:
I couldn’t be a mother the ‘traditional’ way, so I took another path. I met my daughter June 17th, 2015 and instantly fell in love. I became her foster mom that day. On December 5th 2017, 903 days later, we are officially a forever family.
They say it takes a village to raise a child and it's true. I wanted the photos from that day to show our story. It's so much more than just her and I, it's about our village too. 903 days later, one less orphan, one more forever family.
Along with each photo she shared, Erica wrote a caption.
My parents were overjoyed to welcome their 6th granddaughter. I don’t know where I would be without these two. The road I chose hasn’t been easy, but they have given nothing but love and support. They gave me the skills and knowledge I needed to be the mom Stella needs. The love they have for Stella is impossible to measure.
My brothers took off work so they could be there on adoption day. They spent my formative years training me on becoming kidnapper resistant, and giving me a wide array of wrestling and sports education. They are happy to have a new protegé to pass their wisdom to.
My Aunt and Uncle are on the right. They taught me the meaning of the word spoiled and are quickly teaching Stella. They are so very loved.
The pretty lady on the left is Mama Pam. She has known me since I was 5 years old, and has loved and treated me like her own since then. We are so thankful for this precious lady.
Andrea and I have been best friends since I was 17 years old. She cried every tear I did right along side me. She has been my biggest cheerleader from day one and had been counting down to this day for as long as I had.
Trent and I have been best friends since we were 5, and not much has changed. He loves Stella like the sunrise and would do anything in the world for her. She loves her Uncle Trent.
We don’t look-alike, but this is my little sister T. She has been a part of our family for longer than I can remember, and we are so thankful for her. Families come in all shapes and sizes. Stella wants to be as tall as Aunt T, who is over 6 ft tall.
My nieces love Stella more than I could have ever imagined possible. It is the most precious thing. I can’t think of a day that Stella hasn’t asked when she can play with her cousins. This is going to be one strong cousin bond.
When Kent and I started dating, I had three foster kids. I expected him to be full force running for the hills within the first hour. Oh how wrong I was! He loves Stella like his own without question. He’s never thought twice about it. We are lucky girls.
This is the day I started to breathe a little easier. The day we were legal. The day I spent 903 other days waiting for. Every single day was worth the wait.
Judge is retiring after the end of the year. We were one of his last adoptions of his career, which he told me was his favorite part. He was so sweet speaking with Stella, and giving her bible with a note and a teddy bear.
This special lady is our attorney. She worked magic and secured us a court date before the end of the year, which I was already told would be impossible. She was a joy to work with and you can tell she loves what she does.
These ladies were the workers for Stella’s case. The one on the left has been a staple in our lives for 903 days. She brought us together. The special lady on the left finalized all of our adoption paperwork. We love these two.
I was asked why I didn’t put the date on the board. To me, December 5th was our finish line cross, but I’ve been her mom since the “OG” date of June 17, 2015. 903 days baby girl, we did it.
They say it takes a village to raise a child, I’m beyond grateful for my village, my people, my family. We have had strangers praying for us, supporting us, sending love and encouragement. It’s impossible to meet Stella and not fall in love.
I’m forever blessed that God chose me to be her Mom.
People who saw the pictures of Stella and her new family were absolutely blown away.
One person wrote, "Brought happy tears to my eyes!"
Another person said, "Don't know you, but your photos were shared on my newsfeed. I'm so happy for you and your daughter. Doesn't make sense to me why your journey was so long and arduous. I'm glad you had the strength to make it to the finish line."
Stella is so lucky to have such a large, loving family that she is now part of.
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