A HOME AT LAST!
FAMILY FOR AKYRA, 17... ADOPTED AFTER BEING FOSTERED 24 TIMES IN 10 YEARS
Mother’s day:
AFTER living in 24 foster homes in ten years, Akyra Holstein had given up hope of a forever family – but now she has finally found one.
The 17-year-old has been adopted by the woman who took her in for respite care and gave her a home while she finished her exams at school.
And on the day Katie Holstein, 28, officially became Akyra’s mum, she also adopted a one-year-old boy called Michael, creating an instant family.
‘After so many years in the system, I was just tired of it all,’ Akyra said.
‘I thought after my last home put their notice in, I was done for.
‘But then I came to Katie’s and she was ready to take a chance on me.’
Katie had fostered 16 children before Akyra but all were aged under six.
‘When I first met Akyra I was nervous,’ she said. ‘Looking after an older child is a lot different to a little one, and I’d never done it before.
‘She had so many years of trauma from being passed around homes. It was a challenge. She already has life experiences and is an independent person – but that isn’t a bad thing.’
In July, Akyra asked Katie to adopt her. ‘That was an important moment for her,’ Katie said, ‘because that decision came completely from her.
‘After so many years of having no control over where she lived, she got a say in what she wanted.’
She added: ‘It’s great to have a daughter I can sit and watch Netflix with or send memes to throughout the day, and we can speak about everything.’
Akyra, Thomas and Katie – a data entry worker – are settling in to family life in their home in Kentucky.
Akyra said: ‘It hasn’t always been easy, but I know no matter what I’ll always have my family to fall back on.
‘I finally feel secure – and it’s the best feeling.’