Kwala and Isaac
A Tiny Life That Changed Everything
We are very grateful to Kwala for sharing with us her reflections on her family’s early days of fostering with her husband, her daughter and the little baby boy that changed everything.
Becoming a foster carer is one of the most rewarding and emotional journeys a person can take. It’s a path filled with love, challenges, and life-changing moments. As a new carer with Five Rivers Fostering, I was nervous, excited, and unsure of what to expect. But from day one, their incredible team made sure I never felt alone.
From the moment I joined Five Rivers Fostering, I was welcomed with open arms. The training was detailed and practical, helping me understand how to care for children with different needs. Whenever I had questions, big or small the support workers were just a phone call away.
The matching process was thoughtful, ensuring I felt prepared for my first placement. The team reassured me, checked in regularly, and reminded me that I had a whole community behind me. Little did I know, my first fostering experience would be one that touched my heart in ways I never imagined.
One day, I got the call: a five-week-old preterm baby needed a safe place to stay. He was so small, so fragile, and as I held him for the first time, I knew that caring for him would be one of the most important things I ever did.
The next three weeks were a whirlwind of midnight feeds, cuddles, and moments of pure love. My daughter adored him, singing lullabies to him at bedtime. My husband supported me through the sleepless nights, and together, we poured our hearts into giving this little one the warmth and security he deserved.
Then came the moment I had been preparing for but dreaded—saying goodbye. When it was time for him to leave, my daughter and I couldn’t hold back our tears. She hugged him tightly one last time, whispering, “I love you, baby boy.” It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but I reminded myself: we had given him a safe and loving start.
The Support That Helped Us Heal
Five Rivers didn’t just leave us to process our emotions alone, they were there every step of the way. My supervising social worker checked in on us, listening to our feelings and reassuring us that it’s okay to grieve. They helped us understand the emotions of attachment and loss, reminding us that our love had made a difference.
Family Support
My husband played a big role in helping my daughter and me through the transition. We leaned on each other, knowing that our love wasn’t lost—it had just been passed on. Five Rivers reminded me that fostering isn’t just about saying goodbye; it’s about giving a child what they need in the time they are with us.
A Message to New Carers
If you’re considering fostering, or if you’re in the early days of your journey, know this:
- You are never alone. The team at Five Rivers is always there to guide and support you.
- The emotional moments are tough, but they are proof of the love you give.
- Every child you care for carries a piece of your kindness with them forever.
Fostering is not just about providing a home—it’s about changing lives. And sometimes, the life that changes the most is your own.
With love and gratitude
Kwala and Isaac
