Calif. Couple Gives 'Sweet' Foster Kid a Lovely Home, Finds Out He Has an Older Brother Later

Choosing to open her heart and home to kids in need was always something one San Diego, California, woman hoped to do. Along with her husband, the young woman welcomed a three-year-old into her life temporarily, unaware that it would lead to another blessing and many years of joy.

Fostering and adoption are two significant ways people can make the world a better place. One couple was eager to be a source of love and comfort for youngsters that needed a stable place to stay.

They enjoyed fostering kids and were open to adoption. However, the duo had no idea that one sweet boy would change their lives forever—and the best moments of their family story were still unfolding!

Passionate Foster Parents

Sara Cozad met her husband when she was only 19. She adored Stuart and told him about her dreams of fostering children on their first date. They tied the knot a few years later and signed up for foster parent training shortly after their honeymoon.

A few months after Sara and Stuart met Michael, they agreed to another meeting that would become a life-changing moment.

Sara, 23 at the time, opted to foster younger kids because she was still young herself. The couple got their license and quickly threw themselves into the deep end.

A Life-Altering Moment

Sara and Stuart met an adorable 3-year-old boy, and they were tasked with looking after him for a weekend. In 2018, Sara explained how the events unfolded:

"That weekend turned into a week. And that week into months. And those months into years. That little boy is our son, Michael."

They Belonged Together

A few months after Sara and Stuart met Michael, they agreed to another meeting that would become a life-changing moment. The couple supervised a sibling visit and realized something when Michael saw his older brother, Dayshawn.

As the younger sibling jumped into his older brother's arms, the joy and longing were undeniable. Michael and Dayshawn belonged together, and the couple knew it. Sara recalled:

"The second Michael caught a glimpse of his brother from across the playground, he ran with all his might and jumped into his arms."

The Teenager Broke the Stereotypes

While the couple was hesitant to open their home to another child, who was only 13 years younger than Sara, they followed through. All of Sara's doubts and worries subsided when she started speaking with Dayshawn.

He broke every stereotype about teens in foster care. The mom shared:

"He is the most empathetic and compassionate person I’ve ever met. He is a social butterfly and makes it his personal mission to welcome every new child who comes to us."

Their Journey to Adoption

Sara was in love with the boys and couldn't wait to spend more time with Dayshawn. She enjoyed hearing about his hopes for the future, sharing that he dreamed of becoming a basketball player, a doctor, or a social worker.

She also stated that being a mom to the brothers felt natural. Dayshawn wasn't concerned that Sara was young, and he loved spending time with her and Stuart.

The couple's primary mission as foster guardians was reunifying kids with their birth parents. However, when the boys' case was marked for adoption, Sara and Stuart were eager to become their official parents.

She Loved Being a Mother

The couple started the proceedings, and Sara recalled her most cherished memory from the emotional adoption day. She said:

"[Dayshawn] was so excited on our adoption day. My favorite part is when he felt compelled to interrupt the judge to explain exactly why he wanted to be adopted."

The road to adoption was not easy, but it was worth it. The proud mom expressed: "I love being a mom. I love caring for the children in our community—whether for a night or a lifetime. I can't imagine ever not living this life."

The Couple's Heartwarming Mission

Sara and Stuart's home was still open to children in need of foster care. They focused on "teen moms, sex-trafficked teens, and LGBTQ+ youth."

Their hearts broke for youngsters who spent weeks and months waiting for placement in social workers' offices or shelters. Sara and Stuart were committed to being a force of hope in their community, and they did just that.

By quickly scrolling through the couple's online photo albums, it is evident that their family is thriving and happy. Pictures filled with fun and love abound and display the beauty of family.

While many people might applaud the couple's noble decision to adopt, Sara and Stuart shared that they are the ones who gained the most, and they wouldn't change anything.

We wish the Cozad family many years of joy together. May they continue to make beautiful memories and grow from strength to strength.

Click here for a heartwarming story about a man who adopted five siblings in need. The proud dad was familiar with the foster care system and devoted his life to being a dependable guardian for kids who needed a loving parent.