Foster care and adoption can be a complex experience for everyone involved, and some children are filled with trauma after spending time in the system. One little boy already feeling abandoned was terrified of what would happen next.
Three souls separated against their will found one another almost four decades later. The love between two of the trio turned into something beyond unexpected.
A smile as bright as the sun left everyone in awe of how naturally happy a newborn was. However, one mother felt that this smile signified something was not okay, fighting tooth and nail for her baby girl.
Being a parent is a full-time job. Yet, sometimes, without even knowing the mother or father, many of us judge their choices from the outside. In 2021, a 44-year-old Natalie Fernando from Essex, England, experienced this public shaming first hand.
A man crushed by the heavyweight of the woman he intended to marry, leaving his life in the most unspeakable of ways, decided to try his hand at love just one more time.
A tapestry of shades continues to come into the light as we are able to connect with one another around the globe and absorb more knowledge. Two tots added to this hue-filled artistry, with many in dire disbelief at their contrasting beauty.
We stare at the clock, slowly ticking by as from decade to decade we become more anxious -- feeling as though our lives are over. But one woman ignored all that noise, creating a miracle out of a travesty despite the supposed confines of age.
While one little girl was making her way into the world, her mother appeared to be making her way out -- their connection probably severed before they could even say hello -- or at least, so it seemed.
In honor of her mother, one courageous young girl chose to face the criminals who had snatched her mom away -- but what would be the outcome of this star witness statement? And would they apologize?
In many societies, unconditional love is the bedrock of parenting. However, some have different views on differently-abled children, a controversial and painful reality to contend with.
For one elderly man, his marriage vows were not enough to express his love for his late wife. The phrase "Til death do us part" was of no significance as he continued to show affection for her long after she passed.
For some women, having children is a dream come true. However, it can become a nightmare if something goes wrong with the pregnancy -- a scary reality for Ayla Heller.
One young girl with beautiful dreams for the future's life was abruptly halted. However, despite how dreary her future appeared, she pushed on, only to become somewhat of a borderline superwoman.
Sergeant Andy gave up his life for a cause he believed in -- a reflection of his strong character that his son has inherited through his heartfelt actions.
Raised to believe that her biological mother had died, one young girl's intuition screamed that this simply wasn't true. Eventually, she chose to find out what really happened.
We catch them out of the corner of our eyes, standing or sleeping on pavements, trying to catch our attention for food or favor. Yet we continue to avert our gaze -- a habit that one little boy hadn't picked up yet.
Sitting in a restaurant, one man had memories of war, a full life, and untapped stories which, although fascinating, he felt no one wanted to listen -- until one young man came along.
A community rejected two parents' unborn twins, with professionals pushing for abortion right up until birth. However, the mom dug her feet in the ground, ready for the fight of her life.
Curious about where his blood-related relatives may be found, one man went on a journey, unaware that he only needed to go for a short walk and knock on a door.
One little girl thought she had found her forever home. But, her life was torn apart when her adoptive parents returned her to the orphanage, implying that she was a tiny devil in disguise. Now, a grown woman, she is speaking out against this characterization.
It had been ages, but one man's heart and soul still beat for only one woman; eventually, he contacted her, only to be hit by a bombshell. The question is, how did he react to this overwhelming news?
Newborns are entirely helpless; the adults around them define their existence. In 1989, one tiny baby could have died because of one adult's desperate choice, but luckily another came to the rescue.
Families come in many sizes, which was an understatement for one bunch. With seven of them stuck on the other side of the globe, waiting to be taken home, it was a challenging journey to ensure they were all together once and for all.
Lynn was a local hero for the kids. She was never too busy to help them or have a quick chat; she truly cared. Of course, the students cared about her too and planned to show her in the most beautiful ways.
One man grieved the son who was snatched away from him right after birth, spending 47 years doing so. The question of whether he found him or not is unanswered.
A waiting-to-be discovered wordsmith was hidden in plain sight and yet ignored due to his tattered clothes. This was until a new friend helped him share his writings with the world, allowing him to connect with loved ones he thought he had lost forever.
One doting mother always knew she wanted to adopt. But, she had no idea that her wishes would transform her life into a wild yet wonderful paradise of giggles, games, and a lot of stress.
Hopping on a plane, a lost orphan was completing her mission of finding the one person she had wanted to embrace her whole life. The question is, after over half a century of separation, how would her surprise visit be received?
In June 2016, Peggy Summers, a special education teacher's aide, and her family received devastating news when the beloved mother and wife was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer.
The streets are terrifying for anyone, feeling as though they have failed. This happens while facing a sleuth of judgment in the eyes looking down at them. One millionaire chose compassion instead.
With a shared passion for "Family Feud," game shows and high fives are the deal of the day for one mother and her adoptive son -- who met his mom when he was fighting for his life in a hospital bed.
Although usually non-verbal, an 8-year-old could access the healing power of music. She chanted revolutionary waves across the internet and people's lives with one simple melody.
After a devastating event ripped through the Bluegrass State, individuals were left desperate and beyond traumatized. But, one victim received a helping hand.
A teenage Texan was about to learn a harsh life lesson that no good deed goes unpunished. But maybe those doing the punishing weren't in for an easy ride either.
An elderly man grew up with wonderful parents, and yet a significant part of his identity was lost -- one he spent decades trying to find, worried that it may be buried forever.
While the rest of the United States enjoyed their time dancing, singing, and celebrating the upcoming New Year, one woman was in the delivery room -- rather than counting down the seconds until midnight, she was counting contractions.
Parents faced their worst nightmare, with their beloved children gone from the earth forever -- but what if something extraordinary was waiting around the corner?
Unable to have biological children, a married couple was troubled. But, instead of wallowing, they chose to adopt, their hearts exploding at the sight of the tiny baby girl.
Revolutionizing grief into grace, a heartbroken mother did not allow her baby boy to die in vain, making sure that his heart beats on even after he was gone.
Using nothing but a pen, one man managed to bring his loved ones comfort and solace for years to come, even if he wasn't there to read the words aloud.
Many individuals beat records for feats we can not begin to fathom, finding themselves in the "Guinness Book of World Records." Adriana Iliescu also managed to make her way into the book, but the reason why will shock many.
Having suffered a miscarriage, 29-year-old Halie Tennant looked forward to a therapeutic night, stargazing in the bush. Sadly, this relaxing getaway ended in tragedy.
A mysterious box loomed in the background of a couple's marriage, giving them both a sense of unease and anticipation. Would the two ever have the courage to open it and face what's inside?
Losing a parent is traumatic. You never feel ready when it happens. The ten Flanigan siblings, although devastated, were lucky in that they had one another and their faith to lean on.
In 2013, 55-year-old superwoman, wife, and mom Jacqueline Zinn or "Jacquie" was diagnosed with a deadly brain cancer called glioblastoma. However, true to her nature, instead of buckling under the heaviness of the news, Jacqueline did everything to take on what was, sadly, a losing battle.
Since Amanda is caucasian and Michael is of Jamaican descent, it wouldn't be far off to assume that the babies would be born mixed-race -- These two parents-to-be were in for a colorful surprise.
It was March of 2017, and having recently lost his wife to cancer, 59-year-old Dennis Kust was at his lowest point. He had reached such a dark place that he was having suicidal thoughts. However, he had no idea that he was soon about to receive a gift that would change his life forever.
He didn't smell too great and lived under a bush. However, no matter the stench or lack of housing, one woman couldn't help falling for his captivating brown eyes and adventurous spirit.
At only 4 years old, a boy's dad died in front of him after being gunned down for nothing but a watch. Deeply traumatized, he developed an ingenious way to communicate with his father.
Although parents love their children, they can be backbreaking work. When a couple found out about the excessive number of kids they might be having, the line between excitement and terror became thin.
