This month, we will feature nine adoptive moms who prove that love transcends a biological connection. Read their stories and become inspired to make a difference in the lives of foster kids.
Shannon Flester, mother to Cameron, Dominique, Destiny, Lyndzie, and Olivia
What is your fondest memory of being their mom?
I can remember it being the Mother’s Day after they (Destiny, Lyndzie, and Olivia) were adopted in May 2020. In that moment I watched them play while I sat and talked to my mother and just knew I was their mother forever! Something about that memory of knowing they were adopted and would be my children always and that no one could hurt them anymore just gave me a sense of completion to my family.
How has your adoption experience changed you?
I have become so much more patient than I was before fostering or adopting. When you bring children into your home that you don’t know, the realness of getting to know them and figuring out what is best for them requires a lot of time and patience. I grew up in a family of six children, plus I am a pre-k teacher, so I have always had patience, but this is a different kind of patience. As far as them not being biologically mine, that has never mattered to me, as I come from a blended family, and I have stepchildren. I learned a long time ago that family is so much more than sharing the same DNA.
What has motherhood taught you about yourself?
Being a mother challenges me every day and makes me feel things and do things I never dreamed were possible. I thrive every day to be better than I was the day before. As a mother of five kids, I can tell you that not one challenge is the same for each kid, so I grow each time a child goes through a new challenge or adventure.
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What was the pivotal moment you experienced when you realized adoption was the right choice for you?
I don’t really know what pivotal moment made me realize adoption was the perfect choice for me, but I can tell you why St. Joe’s was the perfect choice to help me through this process. St. Joe’s is so supportive and caring. They are like a second family. I don’t know what we would have done without them – especially our caseworker Theresa Borho. There is so much more connection at St. Joe’s plus my grandma was also adopted from there when it was an orphanage.
What would you say to someone who thinks love starts with a biological connection?
I would have to strongly disagree, as I don’t believe love starts with DNA, I feel it starts with connection and compassion for another human being other than yourself.
Thanks for sharing your story Shannon!
P.S. Ready to change a child’s life? Consider becoming a foster parent or respite provider.
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