A Manchester father is encouraging others to adopt a child after his own inspiring story has created a bond that is ‘stronger than anything else I have known’.
Martin Smith*, 46, and his wife Evelyn, 53, never believed they would be considered for adoption but one phone call to Manchester city council changed their lives and gave them the one thing they truly desired, a family.
After an arduous process of filling in countless forms, numerous home visits from social workers and nerve wrecking interviews, Martin and Evelyn were about to meet their son.
“Going to meet our oldest, Alex, for the first time was the most terrifying thing I have done”, admitted Martin.
“He was 15 months old and had been with his foster carer most of his life.
“I remember I squatted down to say hello and he came running over.
“He totally bowled me over, he was beautiful.”
Just one week later Alex was brought home by his adoptive parents and with constant bedtime checks, sooth rocking and a 24-hour running baby monitor, Martin and Evelyn soon settled into parenthood.
And only five months later the family expanded when the couple adopted Alex’s six-month-old brother, Danny.
“It was amazing… even though the boys hadn’t been together before, it was like there was an instant bond between them,” said Martin.
But their family didn’t stop there, as despite having no further plans for any more children, they could not resist the opportunity to adopt Alex and Danny’s sister Rose once she was born, knowing her only alternative would be a foster home.
“It tugged at our heart strings – we felt if she couldn’t be with her mother she belonged with us and her brothers,” admitted Martin.
Within the space of 18 months Martin and Evelyn, who once craved a family, were now parents to three children.
“It wasn’t easy but now I can’t remember not having them,” added Martin.
“The bond I have with them is stronger than anything else I have known.
“Our lives now are our children. Everything has a purpose. Everything we do and everything we think about is for them.”
Adoption offers children love, stability and security of a family they may not have experienced before.
The majority of children in Manchester who need a family are under nine years old, come from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds and many are part of sibling groups.
Manchester City Council are urging individuals and couples over 21 years of age, to consider the impact adoption can have on a child’s life.
Councillor Sheila Newman, executive member of Children’s Services, said: “People who adopt come from all walks of life and have very different personal circumstances.
“What is important is being able to offer a stable, permanent, loving home to a child or young person.”
To learn more about adoption, Manchester Central Library are hosting an information evening on Monday November 3 from 5–9pm.
Alternatively visit www.manchester.gov.uk/adopt or call the council’s adoption and fostering line on 0800 9888 931, or e-mail [email protected].
*Surname altered to protect identity of the source.
Image courtesy of JosephB, with thanks
