In an inspiring act of friendship, Virginia resident Sarah Mitchell, a mother of three, has stepped up to care for the six children of her best friend, who tragically lost her battle with cancer. Sarah’s childhood companion, Laura Jenkins, passed away from breast cancer, having fought valiantly against the illness that had metastasized to her spine and brain.
The two women forged a close bond during their teenage years while working together, and after Laura returned to Virginia, their friendship blossomed anew. As Laura faced her terminal illness, her children—ages 15, 14, 11, 10, 5, and 2—developed a strong connection with Sarah’s family. “I spent a lot of time with them,” Sarah recalled. “My kids were always joining me, and we grew closer as families.”
In a moment of vulnerability, Laura asked Sarah to take on the immense responsibility of raising her six children if she were no longer able to do so. Despite the gravity of the request, Sarah tried to keep a lighthearted attitude, assuring Laura, “We’re going to get through this, and we’ll raise our grandbabies together.”
As Laura’s health declined, the conversation turned serious. She directly asked Sarah, “Can you handle this? I know you can, but can you manage nine kids?” After discussing with her husband and own children, the family unanimously agreed to welcome Laura’s children into their home. “My kids were thrilled,” Sarah said, “They couldn’t wait to have their best friends become their siblings.”
While raising nine children poses a significant challenge, Sarah felt it vital to comply with her friend’s wishes and keep the children together. She expressed how this experience has transformed her perspective on life. “I let go of the little things,” she said. “Laundry piling up or messes around the house? Beth would trade anything for that chance right now, and I have it.”
Sarah hopes their story encourages others in similar situations to consider opening their hearts and homes to children in need. “Maybe someone reading this is contemplating taking in just two kids,” she noted. “Seeing our journey might inspire them.”
Currently, the family has not made any decisions regarding adoption, as Sarah believes that will come when the children are ready. Recently, they were granted permanent custody of Laura’s kids, bringing a sense of relief to the family as they navigate their new normal together.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support the family, raising over $65,000 from generous donors around the globe.
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In summary, Sarah Mitchell’s commitment to her late friend’s children exemplifies extraordinary friendship and compassion. By welcoming her best friend’s six kids into her home, she not only honors Laura’s wish but also inspires others to consider the impact they can have in the lives of children who need support.
Keyphrase: Mother Takes in Friend’s Children
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