Parents Open Up About Their Experience Adopting Teenagers | Today

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  • Опубликовано: 26 дек 2024

Комментарии • 1,7 тыс.

  • @isa_bella2516
    @isa_bella2516 5 лет назад +12256

    "They're just our children to us and we just happen to get them later in life" beautifully said Jeremey.

    • @MaddiHenderson
      @MaddiHenderson 5 лет назад +41

      Isa_Bella i read this right as it came to that point in the video

    • @davinia6165
      @davinia6165 5 лет назад +4

      @@MaddiHenderson same it was so weird

    • @robinrose461
      @robinrose461 5 лет назад +1

      Maddi Henderson SAME wtf

    • @Jacky-pr1ed
      @Jacky-pr1ed 5 лет назад +2

      @@MaddiHenderson OMG SAME WTH

    • @chloecornaby-holmes6450
      @chloecornaby-holmes6450 5 лет назад +17

      Isa_Bella brought a tear to my eye hits home I was adopted and went though the same thing it’s good what people can do to change a child’s life forever xx

  • @boricuaflutie4
    @boricuaflutie4 5 лет назад +6143

    I met Nelson when I worked at his school as a tutor. Didn't know his story until now and wow it's amazing. He stood up for me when kids would disrespect me, this gentleman is going places. bless this family.

    • @wazawana7939
      @wazawana7939 5 лет назад +24

      Sure ya did.

    • @no-io1jm
      @no-io1jm 5 лет назад +62

      same we went to ncf together,
      super cool guy

    • @ToniCarrington
      @ToniCarrington 5 лет назад +3

      👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽😊

    • @tabbycat3610
      @tabbycat3610 5 лет назад +153

      @@wazawana7939 whys it so hard to believe one person out of hundreds of thousands who's seen this video has met him lmao

    • @Sound_Spark
      @Sound_Spark 5 лет назад +4

      @@tabbycat3610 because it's simple, they just want attention so they make up a lie.

  • @nompilomazibuko4615
    @nompilomazibuko4615 5 лет назад +7873

    " i guess i don't have a reason to be mad anymore, i was just sad"-Nelson❤

  • @teressaginthe303
    @teressaginthe303 5 лет назад +1168

    I adopted my son after 2 years of fostering. He's 8 now. He's the sweetest kiddo.

    • @agni_oh
      @agni_oh 5 лет назад +25

      Wishing you both all the happiness✌🏼✌🏼

    • @yancuicrodriguez1913
      @yancuicrodriguez1913 4 года назад +20

      God bless u

    • @soleilm3866
      @soleilm3866 3 года назад +3

      May your joy and love grow always..I am blessed to read your post..we all are.

    • @teressaginthe303
      @teressaginthe303 3 года назад +1

      @@soleilm3866 Thank you all. 🙏

    • @Darkdevil1584
      @Darkdevil1584 3 года назад +1

      thanks for doing them a huge service as well as your community. Im excited to adopt a kid someday if life plays out how i want

  • @frances5947
    @frances5947 5 лет назад +21661

    that's my freakin professor!!!!!!!! Let me just brag about this woman for a moment: Dr. A is always(!!!) there for her students and is quite literally the most dedicated professor, this past spring she organized an entire research symposium dedicated to raising awareness about transgender health/medicine, AND she spends her free time raising awareness for adoption??? amazing. AMAZING.

  • @flawlesssome9718
    @flawlesssome9718 5 лет назад +101

    I knew a 17-year old girl from my school, her parents died and she didn’t have family in this country. So I begged my parents to adopt her and now she already lives 1 year with us as my foster sister 😁❤️

    • @sofiad8128
      @sofiad8128 2 года назад +4

      So beautiful! Is she doing good?

    • @flawlesssome9718
      @flawlesssome9718 2 года назад +24

      @@sofiad8128 she's doing wonderful! she is now in her last year of uni and is really happy with her boyfriend ;) ofcourse sometimes things are really hard but she is really strong and stays super positive, i don't know how she does it :)

    • @Banzahni
      @Banzahni 6 месяцев назад

      This is actually so beautiful ​@@flawlesssome9718

  • @jaheje7079
    @jaheje7079 5 лет назад +6092

    Love this, I was adopted at 15, 24 now. She changed my life.

    • @asdfghjkl-oo7lv
      @asdfghjkl-oo7lv 5 лет назад +388

      I never really cared about giving birth or changing diapers. My husband and I do not like small kids but we really want a family. I think adopting an older child is our calling.

    • @jaheje7079
      @jaheje7079 5 лет назад +239

      @@asdfghjkl-oo7lv you should! It will be hard but if just keeping trying you will feel so proud and accomplished and really truly make a difference in the childs/ teens life. I have no doubt I would have turned into a homeless drugged out prostitute just just my older sister, but she was six years older than me and had already run away when my twin and I had had been taken into foster care for the second time. my adopted mother is everything to me, she adopted me at 25, as single mother, with a 2 and 3 year old at time, being with her made me realize I had never truly known a good, healthy and wholesome love, ever. she taught me how love and feel loved and taught me everything on how to live and become a responsible adult. I'm now 24 married to my teenage sweet heart going on six years (been together for eight) and we now have three beautiful children, aged 5 months, 2 and 3 years old, I have nice home and a beautiful life because she made the tough decision to just love me when no one else did. She helped me break the cycle with my own children, and they have never felt anything but love, care and support from me, having been taught by my mother.

    • @jaheje7079
      @jaheje7079 5 лет назад +52

      Sorry for spelling mistakes, mimosas at a wonderful family bbq. Lol

    • @asdfghjkl-oo7lv
      @asdfghjkl-oo7lv 5 лет назад +20

      @@jaheje7079 thank you 😻

    • @jaheje7079
      @jaheje7079 5 лет назад +50

      Of course, my heart swells with love for you for even considering adopting a teen, even though I've never met you. You could truly make a difference and that makes feel so hopeful that another child might be given the same chance I was given, so thank you!

  • @desiree697
    @desiree697 5 лет назад +508

    I just found out that i was adopted last night, this made me smile!

    • @keilijohnson8407
      @keilijohnson8407 4 года назад +44

      That's amazing! Congratulations! God bless you and your family ❤

    • @suzannebracker8219
      @suzannebracker8219 4 года назад +32

      You are lucky. You were much wanted.

    • @poppylawrence3509
      @poppylawrence3509 4 года назад +8

      Keili Johnson congratulations xxx

    • @flixart8891
      @flixart8891 4 года назад +23

      It’s been a year since this commented was posted but I hope you’re still happy with your new family!

    • @sofiasalazar5243
      @sofiasalazar5243 3 года назад +2

      how are you??

  • @shylashes
    @shylashes 5 лет назад +8706

    Lauren, now you’ve planted the seed in MY brain about adopting older children. I’m totally serious too. Thank you for the video!

    • @MaryJJones-ge7iz
      @MaryJJones-ge7iz 5 лет назад +117

      shylashes 🖤🖤🖤🖤thank you for considering! I was in the system five years before someone adopted me when I was 9

    • @waitingatsunset6831
      @waitingatsunset6831 5 лет назад +13

      thank you for the love. hope you can adopt soon.

    • @str4wberrymachine
      @str4wberrymachine 5 лет назад +8

      hahahaha planted seed

    • @shannonknox1578
      @shannonknox1578 5 лет назад +7

      shylashes Lauren is the adopted girls name, Joselyn is the mom.

    • @MaddiHenderson
      @MaddiHenderson 5 лет назад +2

      Shannon Knox i think she still was directing it towards her

  • @akuikott
    @akuikott 4 года назад +142

    There's a phrase from a mom who adopted an older kid that always gets me:
    "I needed my mom in my 10s, in my 20s, my 30s, and even now in my 40s. Even tho she is already in her 20s, she needs me as a mom now, too."
    Everyone needs a family, doesn't matter what age.

  • @NikkiVelazquez
    @NikkiVelazquez 5 лет назад +5254

    I am a former adoption caseworker, and I encourage people to consider adopting older kids/teenagers. One practical reason is that you know who you're getting. With a baby, you have no idea. Your love can't fix them or prevent ill effects of their prenatal life. And these older kids deserve a family as much as everyone else.

    • @shannalese
      @shannalese 5 лет назад +191

      I would love to adopt a teen. Wouldn't have to go through the whole toddler and child phase that is way more tedious and expensive.

    • @terrirnbsn3596
      @terrirnbsn3596 5 лет назад +50

      I want to but I live alone and everyone tells me it's a bad idea to adopt a teen, especially a male, for safety concerns.

    • @NikkiVelazquez
      @NikkiVelazquez 5 лет назад +371

      @@terrirnbsn3596 You should speak to an adoption specialist rather than listening to people who are unqualified to advise you on the subject.

    • @Bioriah
      @Bioriah 5 лет назад +60

      Amen. One thing I’m looking forward too in my 30’s is adopting is much rather adopt than birth my own. I’d love to adopt siblings if I could and the older kids in general.

    • @merncat75
      @merncat75 5 лет назад +63

      @@terrirnbsn3596 you do have to be careful.. everyone is different.
      A friend of mine I adopted a little girl who's Mom is in prison for constantly setting fires and it turned out the little girl is a pyromaniac and they can't even keep a lighter or match anywhere near the house, otherwise she tries to set fires.. another person I know adopted a young boy who steals from her and then runs away from home. They are both in long-term therapy but still have many challenges to face.

  • @brigittavanmeter5243
    @brigittavanmeter5243 5 лет назад +207

    Dr. Alhgren was my anatomy professor 2 years ago at the University of Florida. She is such a kind and compassionate person I am so glad that these kids could find a loving home!

  • @imwastingtimehere6453
    @imwastingtimehere6453 5 лет назад +2112

    Dad: "we just happened to get them later in life"
    Me: 😭

  • @itr0863
    @itr0863 2 года назад +12

    The dad “they give me way more than what I can give them”. Right in the feels 😭

  • @sriwidiani5068
    @sriwidiani5068 5 лет назад +3632

    And may i say.. Nelson and Lauren are BEAUTIFUL... god they're so pretty..

    • @AKIRA-we4hd
      @AKIRA-we4hd 5 лет назад +26

      Yeah the girl is so pretty

    • @emily-dd4do
      @emily-dd4do 5 лет назад +86

      @@AKIRA-we4hd u can call Boys pretty too

    • @sonia-jo2zv
      @sonia-jo2zv 5 лет назад +20

      emily she never said you couldn’t

    • @lindaisnotfunny
      @lindaisnotfunny 5 лет назад +49

      Sri Widiani Lauren goes to my school, she is in my gym class but she is a grade lower then me, she is very kind and athletic :)

    • @laurenjoliee
      @laurenjoliee 5 лет назад +8

      so nice :)

  • @valerieb4893
    @valerieb4893 5 лет назад +212

    I’m only 14 and I’ve decided that when I’m way older I’m having biological and adopted kids

    • @SelenaY.1331
      @SelenaY.1331 3 года назад +12

      We also need more foster parents

    • @cannibalpotato11
      @cannibalpotato11 3 года назад +4

      Yeah I'm 13 but I want all adopted kids. There are so many kids that need help!

    • @julianna9854
      @julianna9854 3 года назад +1

      Same, I'm a little older but I've wanted to adopt a lot of kids and have a few biological for a few years now. I could make a big positive difference in someone's life.

    • @calebellison428
      @calebellison428 3 года назад

      Same I want to adopt from Africa

    • @sewamazing4498
      @sewamazing4498 8 месяцев назад

      Same but I don't want bio kids im going to foster and then adopt

  • @ashleybanks4517
    @ashleybanks4517 5 лет назад +2848

    “They’re just our children to us, we just so happened to get them later in life” made me wanna shed a tear. Super sweet story. 🥰

  • @laurawatson6001
    @laurawatson6001 3 года назад +255

    "You're not going to like everything they do, but that's life. You're going to get that whether they're biological or not." More people need to hear this, once you adopt them they're yours and it's beautiful. ❤ I'd feel so lucky if I adopted kids.

  • @dh1432
    @dh1432 5 лет назад +2048

    I have a similar situation,my mother was VERY abusive...she did drugs, a prostitute.we barely got food if we did it was a treat but, I soon got adopted by my amazing family
    This really touched me.

    • @leggs4113
      @leggs4113 5 лет назад +156

      Hearing you refer to something as simple as food as a “treat” makes me realize the things we take for granted.

    • @Lauren-uv8nc
      @Lauren-uv8nc 5 лет назад +45

      glad you got out of that situation 😊 food should not be a treat, it’s a basic necessity

    • @cirese2570
      @cirese2570 5 лет назад +13

      thank... you... for telling....us....your....story.....

    • @dh1432
      @dh1432 5 лет назад +3

      @@cirese2570 :) of course

    • @glenbe4026
      @glenbe4026 5 лет назад +5

      @@dh1432 My life was hellish growing up but as a child it was always my wish that I would be adopted by someone else. But I do find it strange that in America parental rights can be taken away and the kids immediately put up for adoption so easily. Though I guess it makes sense in a way since I have heard really bad things about the American fostering system. In New Zealand and Australia much more emphasis is put on the fostering system and cancelling someone's parental rights pretty much only happens when they are a physical danger to the child.

  • @corvidaemoon8744
    @corvidaemoon8744 5 лет назад +323

    Please Adopt me. I'm 25 now, but i've never known love like this. You trying to understand to help them, and willing to adjust for them Youre amazing parents.

    • @keilijohnson8407
      @keilijohnson8407 4 года назад +29

      Hi Luna Moon, may God bless you with a family in whatever form that looks like ❤ God loves you and will always protect you!

    • @obiwankenobiwithinternetac7926
      @obiwankenobiwithinternetac7926 4 года назад +2

      Luna Moon must you join the group of padawans

    • @aimeeallen-kirk4723
      @aimeeallen-kirk4723 4 года назад +13

      Where do you live? I will be your mama. Are you coming home to Alabama for the holidays this year? ♡

    • @zaiokari1698
      @zaiokari1698 4 года назад +1

      @@trishasaha3578 Im in Africa i can adopt you

    • @zaiokari1698
      @zaiokari1698 4 года назад

      @@trishasaha3578I may not be like your parents, but i will try, will love you and be your besr friend

  • @veronicalalalala
    @veronicalalalala 5 лет назад +1067

    i wish more people would adopt older children like 6-17 it would give these kids a fighting chance in life instead of them having to grow up without a family

    • @himynameiswhat3966
      @himynameiswhat3966 5 лет назад +7

      oki cools I want to adopt ! It seems to take years ? Unless I’m wrong , I would adopt an older child for sure

    • @NikkiVelazquez
      @NikkiVelazquez 5 лет назад +8

      @@himynameiswhat3966 It varies depending on the situation. It can be as little as a few months.

    • @anniemariekennedy2505
      @anniemariekennedy2505 5 лет назад +2

      When I’m old enough I plan on adopting an older child. I’m 16-18 rn. And when I’m financially stable. After college maybe

    • @DJUniMekaju
      @DJUniMekaju 5 лет назад +1

      I would like to adopt older kids or teens.

    • @camillejohnson2085
      @camillejohnson2085 5 лет назад +1

      Ive been looking for this comment because i know i wasnt the only one who heard iy

  • @cassidysellers8840
    @cassidysellers8840 5 лет назад +9

    I was adopted 4 days before i turned 18. It was the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am a better person because of the love i was given as an older foster kid.

    • @dhbuddy4064
      @dhbuddy4064 2 года назад +1

      Hello,
      I'm a 13 year old girl who's getting hit and abused by her parents. I am mentally going through a lot.I just want to get adopted and end all of this.Please let me know if i can get any kind of help.

  • @monipl9095
    @monipl9095 5 лет назад +1441

    That last part, “ we just happen to get them later in life ♥️ “ my heart ♥️😭

  • @Iris-lm2gd
    @Iris-lm2gd 5 лет назад +253

    “They’re our children to us, and we just happened to get them later in life.”
    That was beautiful ❤️

  • @Karen-Campos
    @Karen-Campos 5 лет назад +1374

    Every child deserves a forever family❣️

    • @stueygriffith4671
      @stueygriffith4671 5 лет назад +1

      how many have YOU adopted????
      Yeah, that's what I thought. 🙄

    • @hayleymarse2853
      @hayleymarse2853 5 лет назад +26

      Stuey Griffith not everyone is called to adopt. Everyone has a different path in life.

    • @stueygriffith4671
      @stueygriffith4671 5 лет назад

      @@hayleymarse2853 thanks, Yoda.... 🙄

    • @hayleymarse2853
      @hayleymarse2853 5 лет назад +10

      Stuey Griffith no problem 😂😂

    • @hayleymarse2853
      @hayleymarse2853 5 лет назад +4

      Lana Joy you absolutely can. I was just saying that not everyone is able to adopt but they can always support those who do choose to do so and the children still in the adoption system

  • @ASMR_MJ
    @ASMR_MJ 4 года назад +168

    People who want to adopt and give their life’s to children in need have such a huge heart all of them. I’m adopted and my mom has the biggest heart ever. Adults who adopt older kids deserve the world. It’s difficult to create bonds with teens, especially familiar bonds and create a safe space where they feel as if you are their mom or dad. Most adults who are looking to adopt seem to disregard older children saying they are “difficult” or they feel as if they aren’t their real children. Family to me isn’t always blood, its the people who love you and support you and you don’t always grow up with them. I’m so touched by this story it’s always beautiful to see such giving people give love to those who most need it 💓

    • @malayaanderson8222
      @malayaanderson8222 4 года назад +3

      Adopting a child at all is amazing, I will never take away from anyone just because they know what they can or can’t handle.
      Adopting a older child is far from easy, & yes some are difficult. Unless you’ve gone through how hard it is to be a foster parent, you don’t really get to talk on it.

    • @shecamt
      @shecamt 3 года назад +4

      My husband and I just finished our home study so we can adopt from foster care. We're very excited for this new chapter in our lives. I did and do kinda want to adopt a sibling group 12 and under but I'm starting to open up to the idea of a teenager.
      It's been on my mind that I didn't want this big person that had a lot of anger or resentment (I know young kids can feel this way too)taking it out on me and my husband. We want a family bond and I don't want someone who may leave us in a few years as soon as they become of age. I know that may sound selfish but I want to adopt a person who can always come home to us even after they've moved out and still think of as mom and dad and not just those people I lived with when I was in high school. I know every person and situation is different but these are the thoughts that I have. I would love to provide a loving home for a teenager who we could do stuff with, take on vacation, get involved in whatever they're interested in, teach new things to them. I'm trying to keep an open mind.

    • @dhbuddy4064
      @dhbuddy4064 2 года назад

      Hello,
      I'm a 13 year old girl who's getting hit and abused by her parents. I am mentally going through a lot.I just want to get adopted and end all of this.Please let me know if i can get any kind of help.

    • @merendoula
      @merendoula 2 года назад +1

      @@dhbuddy4064 hey! Contact with specific public body or child support servicies of your country and ask for help. I hope everything goes well! If you do something let me know how it goes❣ If you want any kind of help contact with me, don't hesitate💞💞

    • @blairariavanderkamp3405
      @blairariavanderkamp3405 2 года назад

      @@dhbuddy4064 I'm so sorry!! Is there any adult in your life that you trust that you can get help from? Like a teacher or school counselor for example or a mom or dad of one of your friends?

  • @royaf7261
    @royaf7261 5 лет назад +1442

    this made me cry :(
    sending love to that beautiful family

  • @minahthechampionmusic8750
    @minahthechampionmusic8750 5 лет назад +19

    "I guess i didnt have a reason to be angry anymore... i guess i was just sad" that made me tear up because i can relate

  • @pinkpink-kb6dl
    @pinkpink-kb6dl 5 лет назад +638

    Those kids have such unique features the girl in particular is absolutely gorgeous!

    • @SheniceSays214
      @SheniceSays214 4 года назад +43

      Both are gorgeous

    • @lavern1402
      @lavern1402 3 года назад +2

      Her sweet little voice, reflects her sweet little soul 😢😢😢 And Nelson smiles, and then his face just lights up like a flower breaking open from its blossom 🌺

  • @txsweetie03
    @txsweetie03 3 года назад +19

    Every child deserves a home with parents who love them! This story is so touching!!

  • @madisongoldsberry7062
    @madisongoldsberry7062 5 лет назад +341

    I was in foster care at the age of 2 or 3 & got adopted with 3 of my biological siblings. (One was already an adult) I was 14 when I was adopted. Super thankful for my (adoptive) Mom believing in us & loving us.

    • @tamiweber7241
      @tamiweber7241 5 лет назад +2

      ❤️💜💕

    • @madisongoldsberry7062
      @madisongoldsberry7062 5 лет назад +9

      @Michelle Rivera shes 7 years older than me. She ran away from foster care when we were first taken away. She was around 12. I guess she just survived. Shes been back in our lives since I turned 18. I'm now 24.

    • @intuitivediane
      @intuitivediane 3 года назад

      ❤️

    • @dhbuddy4064
      @dhbuddy4064 2 года назад

      Hello,
      I'm a 13 year old girl who's getting hit and abused by her parents. I am mentally going through a lot.I just want to get adopted and end all of this.Please let me know if i can get any kind of help.

  • @karlr2908
    @karlr2908 5 лет назад +64

    "They're our children, we just happened to get them later in life"
    What an incredible video guys...

  • @brielleimana1408
    @brielleimana1408 5 лет назад +336

    As someone who would like to adopt someone older as well (someday in the future) I appreciate this positive story. Too many people are focused on the negative POSSIBLE outcomes of adopting an older child. They are just hurting and shouldn’t be overlooked.

    • @himynameiswhat3966
      @himynameiswhat3966 5 лет назад +7

      Brielle Imana loving caring homes can change a child older or not , it’s sad they don’t get adopted more often , you’re right ! And I would love to adopt older as well

    • @noellecasteel55
      @noellecasteel55 5 лет назад +9

      @Jessie Jay That's why I plan on possibly adopting older children after my biological kids are teens. That way the adopted kids have added support of adoptive older siblings who they can confide in if they're not sure how mom or dad would react to something yet because we're all still getting to know each other.

  • @hajarh21
    @hajarh21 5 лет назад +14

    When they were cheering her on during the volleyball game and she turned to them and smiled... that just melted my heart

  • @mirquellasantos2716
    @mirquellasantos2716 5 лет назад +575

    I'm in tears and God bless that wonderful mom and dad. The world certainly needs more people like the Ahlgren's. PS: The boy looks a bit like Colin Kaepernick.

    • @beebee33
      @beebee33 5 лет назад +16

      And the daughter reminds me of Ariana Grande for some reason

    • @LisaGallegos
      @LisaGallegos 5 лет назад +3

      Tee Bee omg yes!!! Ari and Colin!

    • @sinjon
      @sinjon 5 лет назад +1

      I think he looks ex’s toy like Cade Foehner

  • @patsysolatzzo2962
    @patsysolatzzo2962 3 года назад +6

    I am single but I have so much to offer a child who needs a stable and reliable home. I always wanted to be able to be there for someone and teach and grow. I have been looking at adoption websites that focus on older children and I really think I’m ready. I am glad I saw this video.

  • @tracyw
    @tracyw 5 лет назад +968

    Bless this beautiful family unit , awesome parents !

  • @MegaAronsen
    @MegaAronsen 5 лет назад +60

    Being a child that was adopted, this hit me hard.
    Edit: as I’m watching this my adoptive dad called me

    • @aaru7835
      @aaru7835 3 года назад +1

      Please adopt me😭😭😭😭

  • @baileywengerherrera6185
    @baileywengerherrera6185 5 лет назад +553

    I wish I could "love" this video. The like button isn't enough. Thanks for sharing this story. I hope it can encourage others to either adopt or foster or be a support system for those who do.

  • @JLAShazam
    @JLAShazam 4 года назад +17

    As a child I bet it’s amazing finally knowing that you have someone who supports and cares about you.

  • @heidivallejo6263
    @heidivallejo6263 5 лет назад +130

    I am adopted and this experience is just beautiful 🥺

  • @kr5726
    @kr5726 4 года назад +12

    This gives me so much hope. As a 22 year old, I’ve always been afraid that I’d be considered too old to be adopted. I just want to be part of a family who will love and accept me for who I am. I’d do anything to have this.

    • @beccabaker7636
      @beccabaker7636 3 года назад +1

      😭, kids like you are the reason the arkhouses are so important. But they need a step beyond and put people in place to teach you kids to check the oil, change a tire, change a house plug, cook a meal, sort laundry cause with that comes bonds and family is what you make of it. We have nine and four others that call us Mom n Dad cause we've let em get up on their feet two of them their own parents wouldn't help them and the other two grew up in the system our kids told them my parents will be yours and they brought them home. The one just moved out last July, our other adopted brought him to us, he's going to school and working back home in Florida after staying with us for nearly two years. My husband taught him how to work on cars so that's what he's going to school for, 😊. I don't think we've ever had an empty room since we've been married, bless the LORD for such lessons.

    • @pvm0708
      @pvm0708 3 года назад +2

      No one is ever to old to deserve to be part of a family ♥️

    • @mikewrasman5103
      @mikewrasman5103 2 года назад

      There is adult adoption!
      You can go to Probate Court and apply for a petition for adult adoption.

  • @stephtrader4662
    @stephtrader4662 5 лет назад +56

    I have 2 biological children and adopted a pre teen, now 15. This is a process that requires a lot of patience and I think you have to go into it knowing there will be some significant challenges but you get through them. Wonderful story.

  • @hopehefley
    @hopehefley 4 года назад +17

    Imagine being adopted by people that you’ve never even met, have never met you, but yet they already love you. That’s so beautiful ❤️

  • @KayJay79
    @KayJay79 5 лет назад +213

    Please pass me a tissue!
    This story is absolutely beautiful! God bless this couple for having such open, loving, & caring hearts!

  • @critterwhisperer5821
    @critterwhisperer5821 5 лет назад +7

    I’m just amaze at how many siblings get adopted together. I’ve heard of rare stories where siblings are separated. This is just beautiful and amazing

  • @duvine3882
    @duvine3882 5 лет назад +332

    Thanks for working on these human bond pieces of journalism, this gives us hopes for some of us older couples to adopt.

  • @MargaretMargaretMargaret
    @MargaretMargaretMargaret 3 года назад +3

    The sense of missing their mom, will sadly never go away, but over time, healing can and will happen. I pray they will have an amazing life as a family.

  • @TheChristopherBlake1
    @TheChristopherBlake1 5 лет назад +86

    The quote, "At first it felt wired, now it feels good.", broke me down into tears!
    Thank you for sharing this .

  • @lx9582
    @lx9582 5 лет назад +20

    I’m not adopted but I’m under a SGO with the most amazing foster mum and family I could ever have wished for. Entering the system at 12 I didn’t have much hope and the first 2 year I just moved around a total of 6 family’s and 2 homes and then just after I turned 14 I moved in with the most wonderful family and I’ve been here ever since and I’m 17 next month and I’ve never felt so happy. I love my family so much! ❤️❤️

  • @Aritul
    @Aritul 5 лет назад +18

    Those parents are special. It seems the children are lucky to have them.

  • @lavern1402
    @lavern1402 3 года назад +12

    Tears and smiles and tears and smiles... especially at 4:50.... What BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN! Lauren’s little voice reflects her precious little soul... Nelson is such a beautiful young man! Just look at his smile 💙 It can be sad when children come to the planet and doesn’t get the LOVE they deserve from the actual humans who carried them here on this journey. However, their journey can be just as WONDERFUL when they’re allowed to be part of other people’s lives- people who DESERVE THEM! 💙💖 I am so grateful for these family who has so much love and so much understanding... NELSON AND LAUREN WERE MEANT TO BE HERE... it couldn’t go any other way! There are no mistakes here. 💜💖🌺💖☀️

  • @CMB5226
    @CMB5226 5 лет назад +95

    My 11 year old daughter and I literally just watched “Instant Family” 2 days ago because she heard about it and just had to see it. Then, I came across this clip. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
    My heart goes out to all these kids. I also give these parents kudos for their strength, patience, and kindness to give these kids a better life. I truly believe that we all would be respected and loved IF we give respect and love first. ❤️#humankindness

  • @rowni
    @rowni 5 лет назад +114

    I came on RUclips to laugh, but I stumbled on this video, now Im bawling my eyes out because this is so heartwarming. Thanks YT Algorithm

  • @rat.cheese
    @rat.cheese 4 года назад +5

    as someone who was adopted as a teen and then kicked out of the home at 18, I am so glad to see videos like this where it doesn't happen to everyone.

  • @Khandiments
    @Khandiments 5 лет назад +190

    what the heck lol dr. ahlgren was my anatomy professor, i literally found this by chance!

    • @ananyasharma4220
      @ananyasharma4220 4 года назад +9

      She seems like a gem

    • @chellep6740
      @chellep6740 3 года назад

      God works in mysterious ways for His Glory! 💕 Be blessed! 💕

    • @intuitivediane
      @intuitivediane 3 года назад

      Weren’t you lucky ❤️

  • @amandar2219
    @amandar2219 5 лет назад +71

    I always knew I wanted to adopt older kids. I always knew and videos like this just confirm; when I can I will start the process. There are so many unwanted children/adolescence in this world. Why not give them hope and support?

    • @jusletursoulglobaby
      @jusletursoulglobaby 5 лет назад

      ditto

    • @dhbuddy4064
      @dhbuddy4064 2 года назад

      Hello,
      I'm a 13 year old girl who's getting hit and abused by her parents. I am mentally going through a lot.I just want to get adopted and end all of this.Please let me know if i can get any kind of help.

  • @briijohnson9587
    @briijohnson9587 5 лет назад +41

    “Yasss Period”😂😂😂. I love how happy they are

  • @AbbyS...
    @AbbyS... 5 лет назад +213

    Good for them. Maybe this will inspire more people to follow.

  • @ICdedppl666
    @ICdedppl666 Год назад +3

    This is such a moving story.
    I want to be a foster parent when I am a little older and more financially stable.

  • @rudist5858
    @rudist5858 5 лет назад +9

    why would anyone in their right mind give this a thumbs down? This was beautiful.

    • @mrsir9358
      @mrsir9358 4 года назад

      Sharon Cato Their race is completely irrelevant to the video.

  • @katy_banks
    @katy_banks 5 лет назад +18

    I’ve always wanted to adopt teens, even though I’m still a teen myself rn, but whether I choose to have biological kids or not in the future at some point that’s something I’d like to do. I’m so happy to see people like this adopting, to see teens and older children being placed in great care and happy 😊

  • @victoriawebb5382
    @victoriawebb5382 5 лет назад +230

    Thank you for your kindness and loving heart!

  • @manderbos
    @manderbos 4 года назад +5

    Brought tears to my eyes. Such beautiful children and parents. Every kid needs someone they can depend on. Good job guys, for following your hearts.

  • @peri-sue6973
    @peri-sue6973 5 лет назад +82

    Truly selfless and a lesson in unconditional loving! ❤️

  • @vaskelaff
    @vaskelaff 5 лет назад +3

    Let's face it, we are all crying at this point. Such a strong family. Such great parents and such sweet kids!

  • @dip-teavlogs489
    @dip-teavlogs489 5 лет назад +90

    It just moved me to tears. Thank you for being so nice you guys. God bless you

  • @astridcabrera5373
    @astridcabrera5373 2 года назад +2

    Four years later that girl turns out to be one of my best friends and she is so kind and loving. I love her and Lore if you see this I JUST WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I LOVE YOU AND THAT IM SO PROUD OF YOU ❤‍🩹💋

  • @pauline4581
    @pauline4581 5 лет назад +174

    What a beautiful family.
    God bless you.

  • @Amblin80s
    @Amblin80s 5 лет назад +9

    What a sweet couple... It’s so wonderful how they’re focused on the children and not on themselves, the ego that comes with a lot of parenting can be destructive. But these two seem really selfless.

  • @muurisoras5878
    @muurisoras5878 5 лет назад +57

    What a wonderful loving couple. Am in tears

  • @dguri
    @dguri 5 лет назад +6

    "They're just our children to us and we just happen to get them later in life" - OMG this is the essence of it all

  • @ismaelmercado2962
    @ismaelmercado2962 5 лет назад +430

    My mans flexing with the LV belt

    • @maggie12md18
      @maggie12md18 5 лет назад +19

      4:24 lmao true 😂

    • @ToniCarrington
      @ToniCarrington 5 лет назад +1

      😎😎😎

    • @djxox.2025
      @djxox.2025 5 лет назад +4

      Fr tho he hadda show the belt 😂😂

    • @Calvinfe37
      @Calvinfe37 4 года назад +1

      As soon as I saw that I was just 😂

  • @katiix
    @katiix 5 лет назад +4

    This really made me tear up because I was adopted at 5years old from my drug addicted parents , so I know exactly how they feel being taken from your parents. And no matter what it'll always affect you throughout life whether you're in a good home or not.

  • @jessicalt4121
    @jessicalt4121 5 лет назад +16

    I’m so happy they are all together now, a family.

  • @0oMadisono0
    @0oMadisono0 5 лет назад +7

    I was lucky and adopted as a baby. My heart goes out to all of the kids in foster care. So glad these two are in a safe and loving home 💗

  • @Myself12383
    @Myself12383 5 лет назад +144

    It's always been one thing i wanted to do.... And they water it.... 💓 God Bless them

  • @654Tennis
    @654Tennis 3 года назад +1

    All of the respect for people like this, it takes a special kind of person. Every child, teenager, human deserves a loving and supportive home. Kudos to all the foster and adoptive parents out there, you're truly inspiring!

  • @eternitykentucky6935
    @eternitykentucky6935 5 лет назад +127

    GOD BLESS THIS FAMILY!.. TRULY AMAZING.

  • @CA-vy8et
    @CA-vy8et 5 лет назад +1

    Foster child here to people considering adopting older kids:
    PLEASE make sure you don't show off your teen like a badge of honor, they can feel when they are just being shown off to your friends or family. I'll explain more. As the video states it's super hard for older kids to be adopted, and people know this because they think that older kids are worth less than babies or toddlers, maybe they think they're already damaged in the head, rebellious or are in trouble with the law whatever because of past trauma, so when they see you've adopted an older kid they say "you're such a wonderful person for adopting a teen! I could never do that!" It boosts your ego when it hears that. In the system, I was in a foster home when I started my teenage years and the mother would brag how saintly she was for adopting us "troubled kids" and would always tell us that only babies are worth adopting because teenagers can't love anymore. At church her friends would always make those comments to us. I know you probably wouldn't do that and you're doing awesome by adopting us older kids, but please make sure you don't get that ego I was telling you about, thanks.

  • @adrienhusson8247
    @adrienhusson8247 5 лет назад +43

    You people are good people. Thanks for being who you are. Wish you all the best.

    • @freshlove7926
      @freshlove7926 5 лет назад

      Adrien Husson - Great message Adrien

  • @melissahunt936
    @melissahunt936 5 лет назад +3

    Their smiles absolutely tear my heart apart. My dream has always been to be a single mom of foster teen girls, and this only makes me more excited

  • @JoshuaOtusanya
    @JoshuaOtusanya 5 лет назад +75

    Very beautiful. Just like whoever is reading this.
    -Josh Otusanya

  • @cindigriggs
    @cindigriggs 5 лет назад +4

    I was adopted, I love seeing other ppl with the same story as me,and wonderful ppl willing to take kids that are in need of a home

  • @SpiffyFurFamily
    @SpiffyFurFamily 5 лет назад +3

    There’s so much love between the members of this family. Amazing

  • @meghanf2012
    @meghanf2012 5 лет назад +2

    Wow, they have absolutely changed these kids' lives and futures. What an amazing family.

  • @TheSweetForever
    @TheSweetForever 5 лет назад +16

    I’ve always wanted to adopt older kids. They are just as important as babies. One day 💜

  • @peacemaker7757
    @peacemaker7757 5 лет назад

    Beautiful...no fuss, or self righteous talk...just humble love in action. Great example for us all in all areas of life.

  • @tamiweber7241
    @tamiweber7241 5 лет назад +5

    Tears of joy for everyone. Opportunity to be a family and I’m so happy for all of you . 💕

  • @joker6solitaire
    @joker6solitaire День назад

    This sounds like a wonderfully kind, healthy, and respectful family. I wish them all continued happiness.

  • @Ely1406
    @Ely1406 5 лет назад +6

    They're amazing people 💜♥️
    The kids are so soft spoken and cute 😭 and seem grateful for being adopted by this wonderful couple 😭

  • @ciarababyyy
    @ciarababyyy 5 лет назад +8

    As a former foster youth, this makes me so happy to see❤️

    • @soleilm3866
      @soleilm3866 3 года назад

      I hope your life is good and fruitful..much love to you.

  • @homitb
    @homitb 5 лет назад +4

    As soon as the parents were on screen I got so emotional 😩❤️ & then when they stood in a line & the siblings looked at each other smiling... 😭😭😭😍

  • @sammiedean628
    @sammiedean628 5 лет назад

    I was adopted when I was 13, I’m 28 now. I’m beyond grateful someone took a chance on me.

  • @ohaidenny9852
    @ohaidenny9852 5 лет назад +15

    I choose to be childless but am planning to adopt or foster. I don’t need a baby to look like me to love them with no strings. I am struggling to create stability for myself but once I do I want to provide it for others.

  • @ruthlieberman7157
    @ruthlieberman7157 3 года назад

    Beautiful souls! Thank god for people like you.

  • @ellaenchanted2348
    @ellaenchanted2348 5 лет назад +11

    This is beautiful... One moment while I dab away the tears 😭

  • @calvinrnewby
    @calvinrnewby 3 года назад

    The Ahlgrens are now 2 of my
    favorite people now. I wish you family nothing but love,health and happiness

  • @keithsy3100
    @keithsy3100 5 лет назад +25

    God bless you both for adopting them....

  • @parkerp6091
    @parkerp6091 5 лет назад +1

    Dr. Ahlgren is one of the most amazing people I have ever seen. I had the pleasure of being her student and you can tell she puts so much dedication into everything she does. Absolutely amazing and inspiring.