In a touching display of friendship and love, a Virginia mother named Sarah Mitchell has stepped up to care for her late friend’s six children following her passing from cancer. Sarah’s childhood friend, Emma Thompson, lost her battle with breast cancer in May, leaving behind a large family. The two women forged their bond as teenagers while working together at a local store, and as Emma returned to Virginia, they rekindled their friendship.
Emma had bravely battled cancer before, but this time the disease spread to her spine and brain. Throughout her illness, her children formed a close connection with Sarah and her own three kids. “I was always at their house, and I took my kids along,” Sarah explained. “We all became like one big family.”
When the conversation turned serious, Emma asked Sarah if she would be willing to take in her six children if she didn’t make it. “Can you do this? I know you will,” Emma said, “but can you manage nine kids?” Faced with this monumental responsibility, Sarah discussed the possibility with her husband and children. To her surprise, her kids enthusiastically shouted, “Yes!” They were thrilled about the idea of having their best friends join their family.
While caring for nine children is undoubtedly a demanding task, Sarah felt it was essential to keep Emma’s kids together as a family. “I’ve changed as a person through this journey,” Sarah shared. “I don’t let the little things bother me anymore. Messy houses and piles of laundry? That’s nothing compared to what Emma would give to be here with her kids.”
Sarah hopes that their story inspires others to consider fostering or adopting children in need. “If others see what we’ve done, maybe it will encourage them to open their hearts, even if it’s just for two kids,” she noted.
The family has been granted permanent custody of Emma’s children, and Sarah expressed relief at the decision, saying, “Now we can focus on building our new normal.” To support the family during this transition, a GoFundMe page has raised over $65,000, demonstrating the power of community support.
For more insights on parenting and family dynamics, check out this post on our blog. Also, for those exploring family planning options, you can find excellent resources at the CDC, which provides valuable information on infertility.
In summary, Sarah Mitchell’s decision to take in her late friend’s six children is a beautiful testament to friendship and the strength of community. Through this journey, she has learned to cherish the small moments and hopes to inspire others to consider the possibilities of welcoming children into their lives.