Meet the Floyd Family!

Perspective is more than just a roll of toilet paper!

While most people in the US were worried about getting enough toilet paper during the pandemic, I was worried about what I was going to do for my kids who rely on physical therapy, speech therapy, and counseling just to maintain progress and normalcy. While other parents were upset that malls, amusement parks, and movie theaters were closed, I was sad because my sixth adoption for my daughter was going to happen over Skype, and the friends and family who are my support system may not be able to attend. As other families were vocal about the fact that they could not eat out at local restaurants or attend Easter egg hunts and outdoor concerts I was busy figuring out how I was going to continue doing online school to become a nurse practitioner, complete my clinical hours, and work part time while teaching five of my nine children at home. 

I am a single mom of 8 beautiful children and a foster mom of a six-month-old who may soon be joining the Floyd family.

Now 12, Joseph was my first adoption and I adopted him when he was 2. He is very gifted in the art department, has an amazing imagination and his dream career is to be a movie director. Due to a significant disability, Joseph has an IEP at his school and is currently receiving special services. He loves to tell his story by saying “I grew in my mom's heart instead of her belly.”

Jakel is 10 now but I brought her home at 2 days of age. For a few years, I fostered while she visited with her family and the department considered placement with her grandmother. But when she was three and half, they decided we could be her forever family and I adopted her before she turned 4. I think her early experiences and uncertainties have affected my smart, caring, talented daughter’s sense of security and safety. 

Five-year-old Elijah is in love with bugs and animals. He came to me at 10 weeks of age as a respite placement and has stayed forever. We have a great relationship with his birth family and have always included them in our lives. Elijah is bright, curious, and full of energy. He is doing well in school and continues to flourish.

Independent, sassy, smart, and loving Jerilyn is 4. She was 1 when our adoption was finalized and we have a great relationship with her family who live out of state. Jerilyn started preschool recently and is thriving in her class.

Jennings joined us at one month of age. He is Jakel’s biological brother and the apple of her eye. I am so thankful that they are in the same forever family and that their sibling bond is

so strong. I truly believe when it is possible and appropriate that siblings should be placed together and families should be supported to make these placements work. These two have an amazing relationship that is so special. 

Zephia was my last adoption and she came to me during the pandemic. She was born with significant physical disabilities, and I can tell she will always make a large impact in this world. Right now, she visits with her birth family and our adoption was finalized this last month. 

My worries are far more than stocking up on a roll of toilet paper during a pandemic. I worry about the kids who are in care—and know we need to do more so that they find permanency as soon as possible. I am thankful for the resources that my children have in their life to help them meet their individual needs. I pray for a future full of happiness and blessings for each of them and for all kids that are in the care of the state. I hope for a bright future for kids in care and change in a system that is in need of it.