A Heartfelt Invitation
Have you ever wondered what it truly means to open your home, and your heart, to a child who needs you, even if only for a little while? Today, I’m honored to share that our family’s foster-to-adoption story is now live on the Mind, Body & Wallet® podcast. This episode is deeply personal, incredibly meaningful, and one of the most vulnerable conversations I’ve ever had publicly.
👉 Listen here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mind-body-and-wallet/id1810276208?i=1000737258531
Our Journey Into Foster Care
In this episode, I talk about how my husband and I first felt called to foster during the height of the pandemic, originally planning on supporting teens, only to discover that our path would take a different direction. We learned quickly that foster care is not a linear story. It’s full of unexpected turns, mismatched placements, uncertain timelines, and moments that require deep emotional flexibility.
While we didn’t end up taking a teen, we stayed open. And that openness eventually led us to our son, AJ, who came into our home at just four days old.
Episode Highlights
Here’s a look at the themes we explore on the show:
💛 The Realities of Fostering During the Pandemic
What it felt like to step into caregiving when the world was shutting down, and why so many kids needed support more than ever.
💛 Treatment-Level Foster Care & Hard Truths
We discuss the difference between standard and treatment-level placements, the needs of older youth, and why teens are often the least-requested but most in need of safe homes.
💛 The Harsh Reality of Aging Out
I share insight into what happens when teens turn 18 and the system ends, and how community support can make or break their future stability.
💛 How “A Little While” Can Become Forever
Our story wasn’t predictable. It wasn’t neat. But it was meant to be.
AJ’s path to adoption wasn’t instant, but it was always filled with love.
💛 Why Sharing Hard Stories Matters
I talk about the courage it takes for foster parents AND biological families to do what’s best for a child, even when it hurts.
Why This Episode Matters
Whether you’re considering foster care, curious about the system, or simply love stories that affirm family in all its forms, this episode will give you:
✨ Real-world insight into foster care
✨ A deeper understanding of what teens face when they age out
✨ Validation if you’re navigating uncertain family transitions
✨ A reminder that families are built in many beautiful ways
You don’t need to be perfect to foster. You just need to be present.
Listen to the Episode
🎧 Episode 16: “For a Little While: Stories from the Foster Journey”
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mind-body-and-wallet/id1810276208?i=1000737258531
Join the Conversation
If this episode resonates with you, I would love to hear your thoughts.
Have you ever considered fostering? Have you supported a friend who has?
Your story matters, too.
💬 Comment below or connect with me on social media to continue the conversation.
The Anker Homestead 