Parenting is probably the most challenging, lifelong journey. It requires 24/7 devotion, and care, a lot of patience, and a lot more understanding. We bow down to all people who happily decide to take on those responsibilities and become foster, or adoptive parents. Then again, you don’t even need to have a partner to take such a step. All you need is a strong will and a lot of love. Katie Holstein is a perfect example of a strong woman who single-handedly made so many children happy.

Right time, right decision

Katie Holstein, from Kentucky, says that she “started the process to become licensed as a foster parent in January of 2017”.

In an interview with a media outlet Love What Matters she added that she “was tired of waiting around for Mr. Right to make it happen”. The plan was to foster for a couple of years and get to know what does it feel like to take care of children. That is a noble thing to do, it often helps families reunite, and giving a warm home to a child can be very rewarding.

The licensing process usually takes three to six months

Becoming a foster parent is a procedure that doesn’t happen overnight. It varies for everyone, and it usually depends on how quickly you complete each step of the process. In Katie’s case, it took eight months to get approval. It wasn’t long until she was called and asked if she would foster two siblings – a 1-yeard-old, and a 2-year-old child.

From a first-time mother to a woman who fostered 16 children

When siblings came to Holstein’s home, she didn’t have any previous experience as a mom to a newborn. What she lacked in parenting skills, Katie compensated for with love and dedication. Things went so well, that Katie ended up fostering 16 children over the next three years. The new-found role of a mother suited her perfectly, and she got along with every child.

A decision to adopt became a reality

Among children who were at Katie’s home was a baby names Thomas “Tiny” Holstein. Little Thomas was only a month old when Katie got him, and she decided that she wanted to adopt him. The whole paperwork was set in motion, and Katie was able to legally call him “son” after a year.

Soon after Katie adopted Thomas, a teenage girl was welcomed with open arms.

Holstein adopted a baby boy, but she was still fostering other kids. One day, the social worker she most frequently worked with called her and had a big surprise. Katie was reluctant toward fostering teens, but this one teenager needed a home. Akyra, who goes by the nickname Okra, is “a great girl, but she and her current family need a break”, explained the social worker.

Katie accepted and welcomed Okra into her household.

Everyone ended up loving Akyra

At first, it was planned that Okra would stay for a week because Katie’s home was already full at the time.

She stayed a bit longer, and everyone got used to her. The lady of the house soon realized that she loved it when Okra was around, so she fostered her for real.

The teenage girl was set to be 17. One more birthday. and she would age out of the system.

Fostered children can live an independent life as soon as they turn 18

Of course, these children aren’t abandoned. There is a whole system that offers them the option to recommit themselves to the cabinet after they graduate. It lasts until they’re 22, and provides them with housing, a scholarship, and help with finding a job.

Okra wanted to stay with her new family for good

As Katie and Okra grew closer, the teenage girl felt encouraged to ask if Katie would adopt her. It turned out that it was a mutual wish.

Three days before Okra’s 17th birthday, the girl officially became part of Katie’s family

Katie plans to adopt two more children in the future, and she has one thing to point out: “There are children in our community who need a safe place. They need willing families, not perfect ones.”

Good luck to the happy family. We wish you all the best.

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Source: Shareably; Love What Matters; Instagram