Foster parents give brothers second chance at childhood

This piece is sponsored by LSS.

Wyatt and Erica always knew they wanted to make a difference in the lives of children.

As high school sweethearts, they often talked about adoption, but everything changed the day they heard a powerful message during a church service — one that planted the seeds that opened their hearts to an unexpected calling: becoming foster parents.

“We felt this pull — like this was something we were meant to do,” Erica said.

They chose to become foster parents through LSS of South Dakota, which equipped them with resources and training to support children healing from trauma.

Despite the boys’ young ages, they had learned to survive on their own. Left home alone for days at a time, they relied on each other to get through. The oldest took on the role of caregiver, doing his best to comfort his younger brother and tend to their baby sibling, even when there was no food in the home or when “home” was nothing more than a car.

Creating new memories

Things changed when they entered Wyatt and Erica’s home, where for the first time in a long time, they didn’t have to be the ones in charge, they didn’t go hungry, and they had safe adults they could rely on.

With patience, love and guidance, the boys began to heal. The older brother, once forced into a parenting role, learned it was OK to be a kid. The younger, emotionally withdrawn and guarded, blossomed, learning to navigate the world — and kindergarten — with empathy.

“Even when our kiddos are struggling in school or acting out, at the end of the day, they’re just kids,” Wyatt said. “They came from such a hard place and are handling life the only way they know how.”

LSS Foster Care provides parents and children the chance to create new memories, learn important lessons and change the course of their lives. For Wyatt, Erica and the boys, those moments include first-time experiences at Disney World, learning to play Skee-Ball and simply enjoying a stocked kitchen, bunk beds and birthday celebrations.

“Watching our youngest run up to give Grandma a hug after being so hesitant at first, seeing his artistic talents flourish in kindergarten and witnessing our oldest score a soccer goal — then turn to us and beam and say, ‘Did you see that?!’— those moments are unmatched,” Erica said.

Nurturing new growth

Now, almost three years later as the boys continue to heal from their past experiences, Wyatt and Erica await the finalization of the boys’ adoption.

“It’s not just about us,” Wyatt said. “The love, patience and effort we pour in — it’s all part of something bigger. Whether they stay with us or not, we know they will grow up and make the world better.”

The couple finds strength in their shared belief that community thrives when we plant trees whose shade we may never sit in.

“Our kiddos are healing, and they’re not the only ones,” Wyatt said. “As foster families, we’re planting those trees, watering them and watching them grow. The leaves are sprouting, and spring is coming.”

LSS Foster Care and Kinship Services help children across South Dakota find safe, loving homes and supportive families. LSS provides foster parents with education, training and community connections to help them succeed.

If you’d like to learn more about fostering with LSS, start here.