by Marlitia Green
Vashon and Lenox are my nephew’s children, making them my great-nephews. They are a year apart in age, but I got them both when they were newborns—straight out of the hospital. Sadly, their parents suffered from drug and alcohol addiction. Both boys were born drug exposed, which of course meant that their biological parents could not take them home from the hospital.
It all started in late 2021 when I got a phone call from my sister, Vashon’s paternal grandmother. Vashon hadn’t even been born yet but she asked if I would consider taking him, because she knew what was going on with her son. At the time, I had no idea about the drug issues. But what I did know is that they were family and I would never want to see them anywhere else. It was easy to say “yes” then, and it was easy to say “yes” when Lenox was born in December 2022.
At first, the plan was to reunite the boys with their parents. When it became clear that wouldn’t work out, their case plan was changed to adoption—with me. It was the most amazing moment to adopt the boys in May 2025, surrounded by our whole family.
I couldn’t stop smiling when I shook hands with the judge. I was just full of love and pride, and the knowledge that everything felt right.
Vashon and Lenox were so little when I first got them, but they’re big boys now. It’s been amazing to watch them grow and thrive. They play soccer and basketball and love to play with their cousin, who comes over every day. They’re keeping me young.
I am still in contact with their biological parents. The boys’ maternal grandparents and great grandparents are so involved and supportive. They all live in Springfield, Missouri, but come for visits as often as they can. We’re always video chatting, especially when the boys are doing something fun like riding their motorcycles. It’s important to all of us to keep these relationships strong.
When Vashon and Lenox came into my life, I was no stranger to adoption. When my sister was incarcerated, her children ended up in foster care. I adopted my niece, Sydney, in 2009 when she was about seven years old. I got a call from the state asking if I could come get her and I was putting on my shoes before I said anything. There was no question in my mind that I was going to take care of my niece.
Sydney is now in her 30’s and building a life for herself up in Chicago. She is married and has a beautiful two-year-old daughter. I am so proud of my daughter! We talk on the phone all the time, and they come down to St. Louis for everything important.
I am also blessed to have one biological daughter, Linda, who is my oldest. Linda lives close and helps me a lot with the boys. She has two children of her own who are 3 and 17, so we’ve really been raising the three babies all together. Linda is always happy to help cook, pick the boys up, or take them so that I can go have some “grown up” time.
Hannah Trout, my Families United Specialist at the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition, has helped me so much! Hannah is my right-hand lady. Leading up to the adoption, she helped with paperwork and made sure I had everything I needed for adoption day. She helped me enroll the kids in daycare, joins meetings, and makes sure I know what resources are available, like food assistance and birthday gifts. No matter what I need, I know Hannah is there for anything—she has done so much good in our lives.
Adoption has changed my life completely. I can say that I absolutely love it and I would not have my life any other way.
If I could speak to someone who was considering fostering or adoption, I would encourage them to go into it with their whole heart. That’s how I always felt—that I was doing this with all my love, all my heart.
I always knew I wanted to be the auntie who helped my family out a lot. When I was blessed with Sydney and now Vashon and Lenox, I felt like I had been given exactly what I always hoped for. I can’t see myself without any of my children—all four of them. This family was meant to be.
by Sydney Green
I remember being adopted very well. I was in 5th, maybe 6th grade. I already knew my Auntie TT, and we had a good relationship, but we didn’t live in the same city. What I remember most is being separated from my five siblings. When I moved in with my aunt, her older daughter, Linda, was already in college. I felt lonely, and it was hard to see two of my brothers, who were placed together, do so well with sports.
Now, I understand that Marlitia did the best she could. I’m grateful for the impact she had on my life and who I am today. I don’t tell my aunt often enough how much I do—and did—appreciate her.
Having a young daughter and husband of my own has helped me understand the importance of family and the value of those relationships that you want to pour your whole heart into. Seeing Marlitia raise Vashon and Lenox is inspiring. She pours so much love into them. This is not once, but twice, that she has shown what family means and looks like. She didn’t think twice about taking them even though she knew it would change her life completely. I know firsthand how hard it is to be separated from your siblings, and I’m grateful that the boys will never experience that.