“All or none.” That’s what Sofia Olds said about their quest to adopt all seven of these foster siblings.
Their new children are: Necia, Eric and Erica, Zavian, Dava, Keyon and Gentry.
The children were living separately between three different foster homes when The Olds came along. “More than likely, they would have got split up,” said DaShoan Olds. At the time the Olds had been married for 12 years, and were ready to start a family. They had thought about adoption, but never had plans to adopt so many kids. And so…the couple went from having no children, to having 7!
“There was no question asked. If they allow us to adopt these children, we will do it,” Sofia said of the beginning of their quest, earlier in 2017. “We would do whatever it takes to make sure that we can care for them.”
This amazing couple served in the armed forces and spent time deployed in Iraq. After their service, DaShoan became a math teacher and Sofia became a social worker in Florida. One day they saw a news story posted on Facebook about seven siblings who needed adoption and jumped at the chance to take the children in.
“I like to say I felt like it was a calling, honestly,” Sofia said. “When I saw that picture, it was automatic.”
The change was a big one, but the family found its stride quickly and smoothly. Having a military background definitely helped the Olds. “They know the drill, they know the schedule, and they like the structure,” Sofia said. “And they like the discipline and they help each other out. They help us out.”
The siblings are definitely relieved to have a permanent home, each other and caring parents. “I never actually had a mom and dad under the same roof, but it feels great,” said Eric. “It’s like they’re both half of something, like peanut butter and jelly.”
The oldest sibling, Necia, said that there wasn’t anything more she wanted for Christmas than to have the whole bunch together. “I was hoping that it could happen, so it’s like a dream come true,” said Necia.
