Bidding Farewell to Foster Care Awareness Month: A Heartwarming Reunion

June 3, 2024

0 3 minutes read

As Foster Care Awareness Month comes to a close, we reflect on the inspiring stories of those who have dedicated their lives to providing love and stability to children in need. One such story is that of Gregg and Karen Oberlander, a couple from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, whose journey as foster parents has touched the lives of many.

A Journey of Love and Dedication

Gregg and Karen Oberlander spent many years trying to conceive, only to realize that they were destined for a different, yet equally fulfilling path. “God had that plan when I was grieving not being able to have my own children; he was just preparing my heart to have over 100 kids,” Karen Oberlander shared. Their fostering journey began in 2001 in Ohio, when they first welcomed two twin girls and their older sister into their home.

Since then, the Oberlanders have opened their hearts and home to 140 children. Gregg reflected, “The whole fostering program is reaching out to others and helping other families.” I just can’t imagine what life would’ve been like without these kids that have come through.”

In 2017, the couple moved to South Carolina and transitioned to a respite role, providing much-needed relief to full-time foster parents. Their experience and dedication made them pillars of the foster care community.

A Heartwarming Reunion

Despite their extensive experience, the Oberlanders recently experienced a surprising and heartwarming moment. Seventeen years after their first foster children left, the twins reached out, hoping to reconnect with the couple who had given them a loving home.

“We get a phone call 17 years later from the twins,” Karen recalled. “They asked us if they could come back and be a part of our family.” The reunion was emotional and unforgettable. “When they came down the escalator and into our arms, it was amazing,” Karen said. Gregg added, “It was like they were never gone. There was a bond already there that never left.”

Today, the Oberlanders have adopted three boys and now have their original three foster daughters living with them once again. Their story is a testament to the lasting bonds that can form in foster care, emphasizing that fostering is more than just providing a temporary home—it’s about creating lifelong connections.

Key Highlights

Enduring Impact: The reunion with their first foster children after 17 years underscores the deep and lasting impact foster parents can have on the lives of children.
Resilience and Love: The Oberlanders turned their initial grief into a mission of love and service, fostering over 100 children and transforming their lives.
Community and Support: Their transition to a respite role in South Carolina highlights the importance of supporting full-time foster parents and the community aspect of foster care.

Lessons Learned

Lifelong Connections: Foster care can create deep, enduring bonds that last a lifetime, as demonstrated by the Oberlanders’ reunion with their first foster children.
Transformative Power of Fostering: Despite the challenges, fostering can bring immense joy and fulfillment, both to the children and the foster parents.
Encouragement for Potential Foster Parents: The Oberlanders’ story serves as a powerful call to action, encouraging others to consider fostering and highlighting the profound difference it can make.

Conclusion

As we bid farewell to Foster Care Awareness Month, stories like that of Gregg and Karen Oberlander remind us of the profound difference that dedicated and loving foster parents can make. Their journey underscores the importance of fostering and the joy it can bring to both the children and the families who care for them. Let us continue to support and celebrate those who open their hearts and homes to children in need, ensuring that every child grows up with the care and protection of a loving family.

Source of Image: https://www.wrdw.com/

June 3, 2024

0 3 minutes read