Years after adopting who they thought would be their last children, the Hendons have now welcomed a fifth and sixth child into their home.
SAN ANTONIO — Sometimes the heart just says yes.
We met a husband and wife in their 60s who, a quarter-century after adopting the last of their four children, found themselves once again on a very familiar journey.
It’s almost like twice in the lifetime for Michael and Connie Hendon. More than 30 years ago, they started their journey of adopting four children at four different times.
Fast-forward to just more than five years ago, they welcomed two sisters into foster care. Then, just last month, they took the step of once more becoming adoptive parents for the fifth and sixth times in their lives.
“If we had to bet, we would bet that it never would have happened,” said Connie. “Everything is the same, but it is also different. You are a family.”
Michael said they considered opening their home to a teenager who might eventually age out of care.
“We never thought we would get two elementary-aged kids and that they would end up in our home forever,” he said.
The Hendons have children, adopted decades ago, that would be old enough to be the parents of the two children they just adopted.
“We asked ourselves, ‘How do we do this,’ and then you realize that you are the best fit,” he said. “And you take that as holy obligation.”
The couple, now both in their 60s, knew they couldn’t keep the foster children in their home for five-plus years and then rip that apart. They just couldn’t do that.
Adoption was the answer.
“We thought we were just going to foster until about two Christmases ago,” said Michael. “And that’s when we said, ‘How would you like to stay with us forever?’ They were very excited, humbled and cried even.”
The girls, Arianna and Amberly, told us they are really happy and feel loved.
“I’m happy that we have a family that loves us and takes care of us,” said Amberly. “It is the best feeling ever. It was exciting to get things over with (her adoption day) and have someone I could call family.”
Arianna said her new adoptive parents are really funny!
“They are very nice and they love me,” she said.
“I can call them mom and dad,” added Amberly. “Just the affection they show us.”
Michael told us he and Connie never thought this would happen. They made a promise to the girls that they would be their last foster family under they found their “forever home.”
“Frankly, we didn’t think it would be us,” he said.
“It was a grateful feeling that we were able to keep our promise to them,” said Connie.
“They were ready for a family, and we were ready for them,” added Michael.
Connie said as the mom she’s the one that keeps the boat in motion, but Michael is the one that brings the levity and the love.
“That does sound like me,” Michael said.
“That does sound like you doesn’t it?” replied Connie.
“You take what other people can’t quite manage and you make it into a family,” said Michael. The world didn’t really value very much what we have made precious. It is your responsibility to give back what your parents gave to you. Be a parent to a child that has none.”
And oh by the way… dogs! Michael and Connie rescue dogs as well.