When Julia Washington and her husband decided to adopt three brothers, Michael, Jess, and Camden, their family instantly went from two to five children.
This jump would mean a big adjustment period for the family, especially since one of their adoptive sons had cerebral palsy.
Julia was processing the adoption when she received a call from the boys’ social worker: the three brothers she was adopting had another brother in the system — A 17-month-old brother, Elijah. Julia wanted to help, but knew her family could not take on another child.
But she also knew that if she didn’t adopt him, Elijah would be 1,000 miles away from his brothers.
That’s when Julia’s friend and neighbor, Jay Houston, heard the news. Jay is the youngest of seven kids, she is adopted herself, and she has four adopted children along with two birth children.
There was no doubt in Jay’s mind about what to do next. Jay went through the state Child Protective Services to adopt Elijah. The 17-month-old may not be raised in the same household as his brothers, but they will still be growing up together!
“They all know they’re brothers and get to grow up together,” Jay told ABC. “They don’t live in same house but live in the same town… Knowing I get to be his mom forever, it’s an awesome gift and I’m really thankful for it.”
Please SHARE these brother’s amazing story with your family and friends on Facebook!