A 23-year-old woman from Johnson County, Indiana, thought she had her life mapped out. For Paige Bramlett, “plan A” looked like getting married, buying a house and having children. Bramlett had been hired to work exclusively with William during the school day, meaning much of her role revolved around supporting him through successes and challenges.
I learned what made him laugh, what overwhelmed him, and what helped him feel safe.” But being just 23 and living with her parents, becoming a mom was far from Paige’s thoughts. The shift came when William's case worker came to the school. She learned that he was in need of a new placement and that those involved hoped it would be his final move before adoption.
Having already formed a strong bond with him, she said she felt drawn to ask more questions and explore whether there was a way she could step in and support him. At 23, she became his foster placement. She wasn’t married, didn’t own a house, and felt as though she wasn’t ready.
I knew how to get through a hard morning with him. I knew how to make him laugh. But bringing him home and becoming responsible for everything was completely different.” Shortly after fostering William, Paige got pregnant and gave birth to a daughter, Leni.
Becoming a solo mother of two was exhausting in ways she never imagined. But somehow, she muddled through. She got better at trusting herself, letting go of the small things, and realized that a good home does not have to look picture-perfect.
I still hope there is someone who will one day step into this life with us and want to build something alongside me,” Paige said. Gratitude and longing can exist side by side. Learn more about Martyn here.
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