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In 2018, Heather and Brad Seago began a transformative journey with the Mesa County Department of Human Services (MCDHS), focusing initially on providing respite care. Their nurturing approach led them to open their home to three children: a set of spirited 7-year-old twins and a lively 3-year-old. This experience not only changed the lives of the children but also significantly impacted the Seagos themselves.
According to Heather, the children demonstrate remarkable depth of compassion and emotional intelligence. Each child expresses affection in unique ways, revealing the diverse forms of love that flourish in a safe environment. This journey has provided the Seagos with profound insights into the emotional burdens children carry and the immense capacity for love they possess.
Awakening to the need for foster care
Heather’s awareness of the foster care system began when her sister introduced her to a meeting hosted by Project 1.27. The stories shared during that meeting highlighted the urgent need for loving foster homes. Heather recalls, “These children often struggle to grasp the concept of love,” motivating the Seagos to take action. “We wanted to illuminate their lives with the warmth of love and care,” she stated.
As they transitioned into fostering, Heather and Brad provided short-term care for children in need, eventually becoming a stable home for the twins and their younger sibling. Their fostering journey culminated in the adoption of the children when returning to their biological parent was deemed unsafe.
The adoption process often entails uncertainty, a challenge the Seagos faced as well. Heather reflects on the six-month waiting period as particularly difficult. “Living in that state of uncertainty is tough,” she shares. However, when the day arrived to finalize the adoptions, the emotions were overwhelming. “It was a moment of pure excitement and relief,” she expressed.
The power of support during the journey
Throughout their fostering and adoption journey, the Seagos relied heavily on their support network. Heather describes her friends and family as “incredible,” always ready to help with the children whenever necessary. Their caseworker, Carrie Hoffman, became an essential source of guidance and reassurance. Heather believes, “God placed all the right people in our path to support us.”
For families considering adoption, Heather conveys a powerful message: “You may think you’re giving a child a blessing, but in reality, you’ll find that you are the one receiving the biggest blessing.” She emphasizes that the experience is transformative, fostering an exchange of love that is difficult to articulate. Her key advice for prospective adoptive parents is, “Do your best and trust that everything will fall into place.”
Building a family identity through adoption
Today, adoption is integral to the Seago family’s identity. “Adoption has been the source of all the love and joy in our lives,” Heather asserts. “The challenges we face daily pale in comparison to the gifts we have received.” This journey has truly been a blessing for the entire family.
The support from community programs and county resources has been crucial for the Seagos from the start. Through Project 1.27, they accessed valuable information and a faith-based community, while CASA provided essential reassurance during the early stages. Their extended network significantly helped them navigate the complexities of the fostering and adoption process.
Encouragement for potential adoptive families
Reflecting on their journey, Heather encourages anyone considering adoption to follow that instinct. “Keep an open mind. If you feel that nudge, trust it,” she advises. Believing in their ability to foster and adopt can lead to profound transformations in the lives of children and their own.
According to Heather, the children demonstrate remarkable depth of compassion and emotional intelligence. Each child expresses affection in unique ways, revealing the diverse forms of love that flourish in a safe environment. This journey has provided the Seagos with profound insights into the emotional burdens children carry and the immense capacity for love they possess.0
According to Heather, the children demonstrate remarkable depth of compassion and emotional intelligence. Each child expresses affection in unique ways, revealing the diverse forms of love that flourish in a safe environment. This journey has provided the Seagos with profound insights into the emotional burdens children carry and the immense capacity for love they possess.1