I always wanted to be a Mum. I had spent happy years teaching, travelling, working in Christian ministry with many responsibilities among children, youth and families. In my late forties I realised that I needed to stop still and regroup.

A good friend of mine, who was also single, had fostered and then adopted a three-year-old who became my god daughter. This friend urged me to consider fostering.
Home for Good wasn’t around in those days but I attended an information session run by the local social services. They particularly needed more short-term carers for teenagers – this is where my journey began and my life would change forever.

I was accepted and an amazing new life opened up for me. I became the carer for a few girls who were about to leave care and was able to help them with their preparation for adulthood, which was a blessing.

However, I found myself longing and praying for the opportunity to give more to a young person, and it was whilst I was on holiday that my prayer was answered.

I was introduced to Abigail, a 12-year-old who was moving back to the area and wanted to be placed into a Christian family. Not long after our introduction, she came to stay for a few months and she quickly connected with me and my church community. Little did I know what an impact we would have on each other.

Looking after Abigail was a joy but wasn’t without challenges.

Finding ways to support someone with an extremely traumatic past can be difficult. It’s hard to know how to help sometimes. I often battled with a sense of failure, yet with the help of God and the support of our church community, Abigail and I built a significant relationship that has developed into mutual love and respect.

The support we both received from the church was invaluable. People would regularly pray with us and help us out practically and they became like an extended family. I also had a wonderful social worker who provided me with constant support.

Fast forward 26 years to today and I am not only a Mum to Abigail, but Nana to her three children. Being a part of her family all these years later is such a blessing and a testament to the special relationship we built over our time together.

She has not only given me the privilege of being part of her family, but Abigail has given me the chance to be a Mum, and that is very special.

My short-term fostering turned into a life time adventure and I am so glad it did. Children and young people are longing for someone(s) to believe in them and stick with them through the highs and lows. I especially urge single people to consider taking a child or young person into your home (and into your heart). With the right attitude and support you could provide just the right home for a special younger person – some can really benefit from being with a single person rather than joining a large and busy household. It might just change your life forever, as it did mine.

*Names have been changed