North Charlotte Today

Rebecca Kirkland and her husband, Justin, had been fostering the same three children for more than three years before they finally adopted them, adding them to the family with their two natural children.

She realizes, though, that adoption isn’t always the answer.

"The goal of foster care is always reunification,” Kirkland told WCNC. “And we knew that going in, so you sort of have to have an open mind to that. That makes it hard because you never know what tomorrow is gonna bring. But looking back now, we would not want it any different. We are so thankful for the process.” 

The Kirklands took on the job of fostering Benny, Gabriel and Alyssa — now 12, 8 and 6, respectively — in 2018. The children, natural siblings, had been found living in a tent in a backyard with their mother, who was a substance abuser.

It was a perfect fit for the Kirklands.

"I'm working in the substance abuse field, so I understand the need for foster homes, the need for adoption,” Kirkland said. “I also understand addiction. I'm also a person in active recovery. So, I understand the toll that addiction can play in people's lives.”

The parents and their own children bonded instantly with Benny, Gabriel and Alyssa. 

Although adoption wasn’t the end goal initially, the connection was such that they started to consider the longer-term solution. They finalized the adoption through the Least of These Carolinas agency. Now Samuel and Abigail Kirkland have three new siblings.

The Kirklands realize adoption isn’t for everybody, but they’re grateful that avenue was open to them. Fostering also gives the caretakers a chance to see what parenting entails and to still make a difference in the lives of children who need it.

"If you're able to, if as long as the husband and wife are on the same page about that, because it's a difficult process, but as long as you guys are on the same page, do it,” Kirkland said of either option. “You know, think about the impact you could have in someone's life.”