Children's Wisconsin foster care and adoption
At Every Turn > Foster Care > Prayer got me through our process
Patient Stories Jun 15, 2021

Prayer got me through our process

Kelly Hanson, Foster and Adoptive Parent

Being a foster parent takes a certain kind of personality, yes. The one that is willing to love another unconditionally without question and without answers. One that is willing to cast judgment aside and basically roll with anything that is thrown at you. And one that is willing to let go if or when it’s needed.

Children's Wisconsin foster care and adoptionIt’s not easy, but just about anyone with those qualifications could do it. However, there were two things that helped me through an almost-three-year plan that I am so thankful for, and I wanted to share for any of you struggling in your situations.

First, I always remembered I was caring for someone else’s child. The second thing that helped me was PRAYER. As much as I love our boys, we did not come into this process to adopt. Our main purpose was reunifying. As time passed and that plan was changing, we still always kept that in mind. I never wanted to hold on too tight to a child who may have to leave, for my own sanity. That also brought us closer to the biological parent and gave us the chance to get to know what we could from them.

In the end, we did adopt our two young boys and they have literally changed our lives. I am thankful for the most wonderful team at Children’s Wisconsin and for a biological Mom that was open to a relationship with us, not only through fostering but after adoption.

I realize every situation is individual and not all outcomes can be successful, but it is in the best interest of all these children that we do our best to make the effort to get along and grow as best we can together. Take a little time to pray for your children and give it to God for guidance. 

At any given time, as many as 7,000 children are in foster care in Wisconsin. As the largest provider of foster care programming in the state, Children’s Wisconsin offers high levels of support to foster and adoptive families.  View more articles from Kelly Hanson

Related stories

Kaylee awake craniotomy Children's Wisconsin Neurosciences Center
Patient Stories Apr 08, 2025

The Little Warrior: How a Young Girl Made Medical History at Children’s Wisconsin

Evan Solochek Writer

To meet Kaylee, you'd never know of all the sickness, hospital admissions and surgeries that threatened her childhood.

The power of fostering siblings Children's Wisconsin
Patient Stories Mar 14, 2025

Fostering Siblings Builds Unbreakable Bonds

Cassie Schmidt Foster Parent

When children enter foster care, they often feel scared. But when they enter with a sibling, they bring a piece of home with them.

New Clinic Partnerships in Northeast Wisconsin Fosters Ease and Access for Patient Families Children's Wisconsin
Patient Stories Mar 11, 2025

Providing Specialty Care Closer to Home for Kids in Northeast Wisconsin

For many families in Northeast Wisconsin, the Connected for Kids partnership has been more than just convenient — it’s been life-changing.

Mara arteriovenous malformation AVM Children's Wisconsin Neurosciences Center
Patient Stories Feb 04, 2025

When Life Threw Mara a Curveball, Children’s Wisconsin Was There

For Mara, an out-of-the-blue headache one day at school was the first sign of something much more serious.

Germelle Sickle Cell Disease Children's Wisconsin MACC Fund Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
Patient Stories Jan 02, 2025

A Boy’s Life: Doctors at Children’s Wisconsin Gave Germelle a Second Chance To Be a Kid

Evan Solochek Writer

For the first three years of Germelle’s life, he spent more days in the hospital than in his home.

Trinity Herma Heart Institute at Children's Wisconsin
Patient Stories Dec 09, 2024

Strength, Endurance and Connection: How Trinity Beat All the Odds

Jen Novotny Writer

When Trinity came to Children's Wisconsin in 2021, she had a very slim chance of surviving.

Owen and Ean Transnasal Endoscopy TNE Children's Wisconsin Gastroenterology, Liver and Nutrition Program
Patient Stories Nov 13, 2024

A better way: How a new technique is improving care for kids with chronic GI issues

Erin Kohlmann Writer

For kids with chronic stomach and GI issues, Children's Wisconsin is dedicated to bringing them comfort.