Kelton and Jared are two very happy—and very loved—boys.  Kristen and Kent had considered adoption years before the boys came into their lives, but were forced to put their plans on hold when Kent was diagnosed with leukemia.  Three years and seven rounds of chemotherapy later, Kent was cancer-free and they were ready for parenthood.  The couple knew they wanted two children, and it made sense to them to adopt siblings from foster care. 

“If I had to go through the stress of being a child in foster care, it would have been much better to have a brother or sister there with me,” says Kent.  “We wanted to keep a group of siblings together.” 

Due to the complexities and high legal risk of their case, it took almost two years before Jared and Kelton’s adoption was finalized.  Kent believes they were able to cope with the stress with Amara’s support, and found that staying connected with the agency’s events and community was important for their family.  He also points out that during those two years, the family’s motto became: “Don’t ever give up!”  From the very beginning, despite the risks, Kent and Kristen told their sons that they were home.  The boys had no doubts about their new, permanent family.

“We just can’t remember what life was like before them,” says Kristen.  Their lives are loud and full of laughter, as the boys know they have parents who love them unconditionally.  Kent relates, “We’re always thinking about what’s best, safest, and healthiest for them.”