Having a name like Mia, I often found myself compared to “Little Orphan Annie,” a nickname that struck home because, for many years, I truly felt like an orphan. I grew up without a mother to nurture me and a father to shield me, navigating a childhood shadowed by fear and confusion. For so long, I silently yearned for freedom from a life filled with pain, all while being encouraged to keep my struggles hidden.
My heart resonated with the character in the movie; it wasn’t the mansion that captivated me, but the idea of a loving family that could rescue me from my reality. Sharing my story felt impossible for years as I prioritized the well-being of others over my own. However, I now see my life as a tapestry of redemption and healing—one that God continues to weave.
The specifics of the abuse I endured are blurred in my memory, but I know it was a constant in my life. Home was a place of agony inflicted by those who were supposed to care for me. I transitioned from a carefree toddler to a broken middle schooler and eventually became a hopeless high schooler who contemplated ending it all. The words, “You’re worthless,” echoed in my mind, shaping my reality and leading me to believe I would never find a family.
At school, I played the role of the cheerful, popular student, masking the pain I experienced at home. But deep down, I knew something had to change. One night, I resolved that the next day would be my last. I reached out to my youth pastor, not for help, but to say goodbye.
The following day, fate intervened. My school counselor, having heard concerns about my safety, called in the authorities, thinking I was in danger. I managed to deflect the attention from myself, but the unexpected help gave me a flicker of hope. Later that day, an altercation with my biological mother led to a life-changing moment. Injured and bleeding, I fled to a nearby store where a friend recognized the signs of abuse. In that moment of divine timing, I was rescued from my nightmare and placed into foster care.
I was fortunate to be taken in by my youth pastors, who became emergency-certified foster parents. For the next couple of years, I lived with them, surrounded by love and encouragement. They became my family, providing a nurturing environment that helped me heal from a lifetime of trauma. I experienced milestones I’d never imagined, from summer nights filled with laughter to friendships that felt genuine.
After graduating from a private Christian university in 2015, I began to see my resilience and understand that my life had purpose. However, as I aged out of the foster care system, I lost hope of being adopted. I built emotional walls, determined to protect myself from further hurt.
Little did I know, a couple who entered my life in 2012 would change everything. They gently chipped away at my defenses, and as we spent time together through our church community, I began to trust them. I was adamant about not wanting to call them “Mom” and “Dad,” opting instead for “little sister.” Yet, on May 31, 2017, we took a significant step—my last name was legally changed to reflect our family bond.
Over time, I realized my heart had softened toward the idea of adoption. I would tear up at adoption-themed movies and long for the family I had never truly known. It was only earlier this year, during a heartfelt conversation with my (now) mom, that I learned they had always wanted to adopt me. Tears streamed down my face as I heard those words for the first time. On May 31, 2019, I was officially adopted in a courtroom surrounded by those who loved me, with a judge proclaiming it a joyful day for the foster care system.
I share my story to honor the unique narratives God has crafted in our lives. I continue to heal, forgiving my biological parents and embracing the positive changes EMDR therapy has brought. My aim is to inspire hope in those still navigating the foster care system, those who have aged out, and anyone longing for or considering adoption. We all need families, and it’s never too late to seek that connection.
As Jessica Satterfield beautifully put it, “He asks us to lay down our ideas about what family should look like and listen to His.”
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Summary
Mia Thompson shares her journey of growing up in foster care and eventually being adopted as an adult. Her story highlights the struggles of childhood trauma and the transformative power of love and community. Through resilience and faith, she found her forever family, demonstrating that it’s never too late to seek belonging and healing.
Keyphrase: Adult Adoption Journey
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