From Foster to Forever

Actress and cancer survivor Heather Keller joins us today, sharing her inspiring journey as a foster-to-adopt mom in a transracial family. Heather shares what led her to fostering and how she managed to begin the journey while also performing a one-woman show overseas. As the episode progresses, we discuss the unique challenges and joys that come with raising a child of a different race and how it has opened her eyes to the realities of the world around her. Heather opens up about her experience navigating the foster system, the emotional rollercoaster of adoption, and the bittersweet nature of fostering, where joy is tinged with the complexity of loss. We also touch on the importance of representation, and how Heather’s daughter has made her aware of the need for diversity in their community. Get ready for some heartfelt stories, relatable struggles, and a few laughs as we explore the ups and downs of creating a family through foster care and adoption!

Navigating the world of fostering and adoption can be an intricate dance, and Heather Keller's insights on this journey are nuanced and heartfelt. After her battle with breast cancer, Heather and her husband felt a strong calling to foster a child, leading them to a beautiful yet challenging path. They welcomed their daughter into their lives, a journey marked by uncertainty and hope. Heather shares the emotional weight of the foster-to-adopt process, from initial meetings with social workers to the joy of finally bringing their daughter home. Her candid recounting of their experiences provides listeners with a glimpse into the realities of fostering, including the bureaucracy and emotional intricacies involved.

In this episode, the conversation takes a deeper plunge into the complexities of transracial adoption. Heather reflects on her own journey of understanding as a white mother raising a Black child, revealing the eye-opening experiences that made her more aware of racial dynamics in their community. She discusses the significance of representation, the importance of seeking out diverse environments for her daughter, and how her parenting approach has evolved. Heather's journey is not just about providing a loving home; it's about actively challenging societal norms and ensuring her daughter feels a sense of belonging in a world that can sometimes be unwelcoming.

Listeners will find themselves moved by Heather's story as she emphasizes the need for open conversations about race and identity within families. The episode serves as a powerful reminder of the love and dedication required in the fostering process and the commitment to nurturing a child's cultural identity. For anyone considering fostering or adoption, Heather's journey offers hope, encouragement, and the understanding that while the path may be fraught with challenges, the rewards are immeasurable.

Takeaways:

• Heather shares her journey of fostering and adopting, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster involved.
• The conversation dives deep into the challenges and joys of being a transracial family in today's society.
• Heather emphasizes the importance of being adaptable and open-minded when raising adopted children from different backgrounds.
• Both hosts discuss the bittersweet reality of fostering, where joy often intersects with past traumas of the child.
• They stress the significance of community support, especially from those who have navigated similar paths in fostering or adoption.
• Heather reflects on how fostering can break generational cycles of hardship, providing a brighter future for children in need.

Links referenced in this episode:

• https://www.fromfoster2forever.com/
• https://heatherkeller.net/
• https://fosterall.org/
• https://iloveluluhairspa.com/
• https://jasonsarubbi.com/ (Split Rock Studios)

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Foster all
• Children's Bureau
• Lulu Hair Cafe
• Aquarius Rising
• Splitrock Studios