Blog
A Father’s Love: Navigating Parenthood with Purpose
Every month, A Second Chance, Inc. (ASCI) endeavors to amplify the voices of its families, advocating for their needs and cultivating a supportive environment where they can thrive. This month, we had the honor of speaking with kinship caregiver Patrick Way about the profound impact of fatherhood.
In the world of foster care and adoption, Patrick Way’s story stands as a testament to love, perseverance, and the transformative power of parenthood. Patrick and his wife embarked on their journey back in 2020, driven by a deep-seated desire to foster and eventually adopt children.
Patrick reflects on their decision, stating, “My wife and I ended up getting involved back in 2020. We’re high school sweethearts, so we’ve been together for the better half of our lives. We always said that we wanted to foster and adopt at one point in our lives.” Their journey took a pivotal turn when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. “Around the time the COVID happened, we were sitting around, and we said, ‘Hey, we might as well get the ball rolling, we’ll do all the paperwork’ and that’s how our journey began” Patrick explains. Their decision was catalyzed by friends who were kinship parents with ASCI.
The path wasn’t without its challenges. “We were contacted pretty quickly to see if we were available to take Kanye, Corey, and their older brother Kali,” Patrick recalls. Despite the uncertainties and extensions in their care arrangements, Patrick and his wife grew deeply attached to the boys.
Reflecting on his role as a father figure, Patrick shares, “For me, I always wanted to be a dad first in my life. I’m the oldest of four boys, so I had three little brothers and took that pretty seriously as a role to be a strong role model.”
Parenthood brought its share of hurdles, but Patrick emphasizes the importance of staying focused on the children’s well-being. “Whether it’s a father or a mother, it’s putting the child first and keeping them at the center of it,” he affirms. “You’re going to have your frustrations, of course, but at the end of the day, they do start to develop into their own person.”
He acknowledges the societal stereotypes but stresses the significance of being present and supportive. “Just be that positive influence. Be there, show up, have the conversations,” Patrick advises. “It’s more about what my children think. That is what I’m concerned with so long as they feel that I’m being a good father.”
Patrick’s journey underscores the critical role of supportive resources and networks in fostering positive outcomes for children in foster care. “I think resources are very important for families. Sometimes people just need someone to talk to,” he reflects.
As they continue to navigate the complexities of foster care and adoption, Patrick and his wife remain committed to providing a nurturing environment for Kanye, Corey, and Kali. Their story is a testament to resilience, love, and the profound impact of dedicated parenting.
Patrick Way’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of love and the importance of prioritizing children’s needs above all else. His journey with fostering and adopting children highlights both the challenges and the joys of parenthood, inspiring others to consider the profound impact they can have on a child’s life.