Alicia in North Carolina Waiting Families

I am 35 years old. For the last 4 years, I have owned and operated a successful child care center. This fulfills me because I get to take my joy of children and my love of learning and teaching and help teach young minds. Every day I am surrounded by preschool to school-age children. They remind me daily to live life, stop and smell the roses, and that sometimes all you need is just a hug. Their love for life is electrifying!

Three years ago, I decided to take a leap of faith and become a foster parent. I was immediately placed with the most incredible children. I remember the feeling when they called me with a placement. I was headed out of town that day, pulled over on the side of the road and cried with joy. I turned around and went straight home to make sure I had everything ready. My entire support team jumped in and we were all overjoyed with the thought of sharing our love with a little one.

Honestly, the love that developed instantly was incredible. When becoming a foster parent there is supposed to be a fine line of protecting both of you from the pain of loss because of all of the changes with the system, but there is no avoiding the bond that develops. The late nights, the bonding, the giggles, the first words, first steps and the medical hurdles, were all the more reason to love unconditionally. It was all so worth it. The truth is we became attached to each other.

I tried after many visitations and court hearings to adopt my foster children and because of the foster system, this did not happen. I fought hard and it was devastating. After some time of healing, prayer and soul searching, I realized all I want is to be able to share my unconditional love with a child.

I live in a 3 bedroom, 2 bath apartment with many different amenities. The nursery is all ready to go and is animal themed with plenty of books to be read at night. We have an indoor and outdoor pool, 24 hour fitness center, playground for children and a dog park. The surrounding community has many family-friendly things to do, as well.

My immediate family consists of my sister, brother, mother and sister-in-law. I also have 2 nephews. We are all very close-knit and spend a lot of time together. At least once to twice a week everyone gets together for dinner or breakfast or to play at the park. We enjoy just spending time together, no matter what we are doing. My family enjoys going swimming, going to the beach, going to the park and many other different outdoor activities. For the holidays, we all get together to see a Christmas light show. We read The Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve and then Santa comes for the kids.

My entire family and closest friends have been on this journey with me and will continue with me. My child will have all the love in the world. I cannot wait to see what the universe has in store for me.

My main leisure activity is traveling. I enjoy going to new places and trying new things. I love traveling with my family. I have an aunt who lives in Florida and we tend to go see her a couple of times a year. A few years ago, my family took the kids to Disney World and they had a blast. My family and I also enjoy swimming, going to the beach and the park, and many other different outdoor activities. I am also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

I know that there are many children out there that are in need of a loving, nurturing, happy home and that warms my heart because I know I can be that mom for a child. I know I can be the mom and the forever home a child needs. All I want is to be able to share my unconditional love with a child.