In a heartwarming story, a loving couple ensured that siblings would not be raised with out one another.
Dustin and Daniel Johnson bonded over their mutual need to have kids. The couple dated for 2 years earlier than getting married in 2020. They decided early on to not think about surrogacy as an possibility, and as an alternative undertake older kids and siblings who’re tougher to position in a house.
“We knew there have been youngsters in our personal yard who wanted a loving house,” Dustin mentioned in an interview with TODAY.
The couple adopted six siblings who have been residing in 5 separate foster properties.
Their adoption specialist requested them what number of kids they want, and joked that they might match six extra passengers of their Suburban.
“The subsequent month, in December, our adoption specialist reached out and mentioned, ‘How severe are you about that six quantity?'” Dustin revealed to GMA.
In Might 2023, the Johnsons formally adopted six siblings who had spent over three years within the foster care system throughout 5 completely different properties: Reid, 11, Amiyah, 10, Izayah, 9, Kaelix, 7, Cade, 6 and Roslin, 3.
The couple each grew up with siblings whom they shared a detailed bond with, so it was no query once they selected to not undertake a baby with out their siblings. “We knew how a lot it might harm to be separated from our siblings rising up,” Dustin mentioned.
As soon as the youngsters began residing with Dustin and Daniel in Might 2022, they confronted quite a few hurdles. The siblings had night time terrors and have been recognized with PTSD, having witnessed episodes of home violence and drug abuse of their previous.
“I will always remember the primary time we had one of many youngsters over, and the child sat there and ate, like, 12 scorching canine. They by no means had sufficient meals, so that they’d simply gorge,” Dustin mentioned.
Regardless of these preliminary challenges, Dustin and Daniel’s nurturing natures constructed belief between themselves and the youngsters over time.
“It took months and months to construct up that belief. Then the sunshine began coming in,” Dustin mentioned.
With common visits to a household therapist and particular person remedy for 4 of the youngsters, their psychological well being and tutorial efficiency improved remarkably.
Dustin proudly shared that the children, who have been initially ‘failing at school,’ are actually making all As and Bs.
Their oldest daughter, Amiyah, had the hardest time adjusting.
“She was the one which clung probably the most to the concept her mother would possibly come again and save her,” Dustin mentioned. “I believe it was onerous for her to bond with us as a result of in her head it meant she was betraying her mom.”
Dustin did not understand how Amiyah was going to react on adoption day. Nonetheless, to their nice shock, she was immensely comfortable, crying tears of happiness.
The Johnson household, now united, like to spend their time going for bike rides, fishing, enjoying exterior or just cuddling on the sofa.
“The brand new factor they’re enthusiastic about is taking holidays. They love holidays now, however resorts was a set off as a result of they’ve lived in resorts,” Dustin mentioned.
Remarkably, regardless of spending years aside, the youngsters have developed an inseparable bond. “They’re nearly co-dependent,” Dustin noticed. “We had the boys cut up up in two completely different rooms, they usually got here to us and requested if they might all be collectively.”
On the subject of future adoption plans, Dustin chuckled, “Humorous that you just point out it,” earlier than revealing that the organic mom of his six kids is because of give delivery in August.
Ethan Cotler is a author and frequent contributor to YourTango residing in Boston. His writing covers leisure, information, and human curiosity tales.
