Robert and Theresa met in 2000. She was a young widow with 3 small children, and Robert was divorced with 2 daughters. Three years later, they got married and relocated to North Carolina.
The youngest of the children is Theresa Lauren, who they call TT. She was born with Down syndrome and heart issues. Raising her has brought them into a world of special needs, IEPs, lots of doctor appts, and countless different therapies. T he family works hard to ensure TT has the same opportunities that other children are provided. TTs extra chromosome even inspired Theresa to go back to school to become a nurse.
Several years ago, after talking with a friend who had recently adopted a child, Theresa googled “Down Syndrome Orphans” and was lead to Reece’s Rainbow. Ever since then, she has donated, advocated, prayed, encouraged, and followed stories of families adopting Special Needs Children. The family would choose a child from the Angel Tree each year at Christmastime to advocate and raise funds for. Theresa saw a bit of TT in each of those faces, and felt sad that they did not have families to provide for their basic needs and medical care.
This past holiday season, the Forges had the opportunity to host a little girl from Asia who is rockin that extra chromosome, just like TT. She lives in their home for a month so they could, among other things, advocate for her to find a forever family. She also went to an eye doctor, a pediatrician, and a dentist, where she had quite a bit of work done.
It wasn’t long into her visit that the family realized that God had been preparing their hearts all along. They should be her forever family, she should be their daughter. They had plenty of love to give, empty bedrooms, and lots of experience with her special need. It was now time to start the mounds of paperwork to bring her home for good.
Even though there are huge costs, and lot of work associated with adoption, a child’s life is priceless. A loving family should not be a privilege, it is a necessity. Robert and Theresa are working hard to raise the funds needed. Robert is working overtime at his job and doing carpentry and remodeling on the side, always with a smile. Theresa is busy selling her art at craft fairs, having yard sales, and selling things online. TT is even coloring pictures she hopes to sell, to help bring her little sister home.
The Forge family would appreciate any prayers, good wishes and financial donations in support of this adoption.
12/7/2017 — DOSSIER EN ROUTE (DTC)
Follow the family’s adoption journey on their blog at afamilyforme.blogspot.com