Pam Jenkins, a lawyer, and her husband, David Jenkins, a retired military veteran and former postal worker, were about to enter the empty nest phase of their lives. Their youngest of five children was nearing high school graduation. With some of their other children already married, Pam and David were relishing their new roles as grandparents. Just as life began to calm down, a Facebook post changed everything.
The Jenkins family started fostering in 2013, never intending to adopt. That changed when Pam saw a post about seven siblings, aged one to twelve, who tragically lost both of their parents in a car accident. “When we saw the news about these children needing a forever home, it struck us deeply; we knew we were meant to be their parents,” Pam recalled.
The siblings had survived the accident but suffered various injuries, some quite serious. Their parents had both been in foster care as kids, which meant their own children were now in the system. Following the accident, the kids moved from their hometown to a homeless tent shelter and then to temporary housing in San Diego.
In March 2019, Pam and David met the siblings, starting with weekly visits that quickly progressed to overnight stays at their home. By June 7, 2019, the children officially moved in with the Jenkins family. However, the adoption process faced additional delays due to the pandemic, which caused local courts to close just days before their scheduled finalization. Fortunately, they were able to complete the adoption process via Zoom several months later, on August 7, 2020. During this time, David retired, and their youngest biological daughter graduated high school. While Pam continues to work, a nanny helps David, now a full-time dad, keep up with the energetic household.
A Day in the Jenkins Home
What does a typical day look like in the Jenkins home? Pam explains that their routine includes meal times, schoolwork, and plenty of outdoor activities. The kids enjoy skating, jumping on the trampoline, swimming, and riding bikes. Weekends are dedicated to family time, visiting their older siblings, and spending time at the park or beach, playing with new nieces and nephews.
Now aged fifteen, thirteen, nine, eight, seven, five, and four, the children are thriving. Pam has cherished the “joy of experiencing new adventures through their eyes,” from trips to Disneyland to horseback riding and beach outings. Their personalities are flourishing, and Pam notes that the kids are becoming more secure and settled after years of instability.
Navigating Trauma
However, navigating trauma remains one of the biggest challenges for foster parents. Pam points out, “Childhood trauma manifests differently in every child.” Many children in foster care face issues such as drug addiction, homelessness, violence, special needs, and neglect. Fortunately, Pam and David’s years of experience have equipped them to support their new children effectively.
The COVID-19 pandemic has added to the family’s challenges, with schooling shifting continuously from virtual to hybrid to in-person, disrupting their routine. The kids miss participating in sports, arts, and other extracurricular activities. However, the extra time at home has fostered stronger bonds among the siblings and allowed them to learn new skills, such as riding bikes.
The Need for Foster Families
In the U.S., there are approximately 400,000 children in foster care, with 120,000 waiting for a permanent family. Sadly, around 200,000 youth age out of the system each year without the support and love of a family. Pam encourages anyone interested in fostering to seek out local orientations and training opportunities, emphasizing the transformation these children can undergo, which is profoundly rewarding. She and David have witnessed their kids “grow into wonderful human beings who feel secure and loved!”
Resources for Prospective Parents
For those considering their own journey towards parenthood, take a look at this resource on home insemination, or check out Make a Mom for expert information on insemination kits. The Mayo Clinic’s resource on IVF is also an excellent guide for navigating the process of starting a family.
Search Queries:
- fostering children
- adoption process
- parenting after loss
- support for foster families
- dealing with childhood trauma
Summary:
Pam and David Jenkins, on the brink of empty nesting, transformed their lives by adopting seven siblings who had lost their parents in a tragic accident. Their journey from fostering to adoption, marked by challenges and joys, illustrates the profound impact of love and stability on children recovering from trauma.
Keyphrase: adoption of siblings
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]