From Infertility to Motherhood: The Joy of Foster Parenting

Have you ever felt called to make a difference in a child’s life? 

For Tacole, a foster parent in Maryland, that calling led her to specialize in caring for children in foster care who have medically complex needs — a decision that transformed not just their lives but her own as well.

In this candid conversation, Tacole shares her experience with the specialized recruitment process, her unique challenges, and the indescribable rewards that come from motherhood and helping vulnerable children thrive despite medical obstacles.

“How did your infertility impact your thoughts about fostering — what made you take the leap or first step to become a foster mother?"

Tacole is remarkably open about her feelings of disappointment and loss due to infertility. She knew in her heart that she was meant to be a mom biologically, but that role was unexpectedly delayed — an emotional situation faced by many women each day.

“I’m more than open and want to talk about infertility because I’ve found that so many women deal with it silently. It’s a silent pain, and we need to help each other. We have a purpose in helping one another.”

Tacole did not give up on her dream of having biological children. 

Tacole’s dream of a full house came true in ways they never expected.
The children pictured in this article are Tacole or Marlon's biological children,
or have been adopted after originally being placed with the Robinson
family through foster care.

But while she was waiting, she found joy and purpose in the decision to foster with her husband. This was rooted in her own brief experience with foster care as a child, and the knowledge that she and her husband had many gifts to give.

“I remember that experience and saying, ‘I want to be there for someone else.’ And after we met with Mentor Maryland, we knew this is what we were meant to do.”

“What has your experience been, being a foster parent for children with medical needs?”

"It's been a great experience. Being a medically fragile foster parent, we love the moments where we're in awe. We love the moments where the doctors have been amazed."

Tacole and her brave boy show that healing happens with hope and hugs.

Tacole lights up as she shares the remarkable story of adopting her daughter Parrish after she and her husband brought her home from the hospital. Doctors warned that Parrish might never walk, talk, or eat independently. 

Today, at 12 years old, Parrish defies all those expectations — running, jumping, talking, and embracing her pre-teen sass.

A  visibly proud mother, Tacole shares, "I just love to see how wonders can happen and how we can be in awe of what can happen when children are nurtured, when they're supported, where they're loved."

TIP: Want to learn more about the process of becoming a foster parent? Get answers with the Beginner’s Guide to Foster Care. 

“What was the recruitment process like when you were onboarding as a foster parent?”

From paperwork to home visits, the licensing process takes time and attention – and that's a good thing. It’s designed to prepare you and your home for the day a child walks through your front door with a bag of clothes and a look of uncertainty. 

Thanks to the detailed licensing process, when that day comes, you’ll be ready.  

A smile shows how Tacole’s love builds confidence in her son.

Tacole’s clear and positive perspective illustrates this: "At the end of the day, it's worth it. The paperwork is worth it. The interviews are worth it. The fingerprinting is worth it because you're going to provide a space, a home, a family for a child."

“What has been the most rewarding experience so far being a foster parent for children with medical needs?”

For Tacole, the rewards are numerous and deeply meaningful. "I don't even know if I can say one, but it's becoming a parent to a child, if only for a day. They have so many needs, and for whatever reason, they need an adult to be able to meet that need."

She considers it an honor to serve children and facilitate their healing. 

Despite being told she probably wouldn't be fostering infants at the start of her journey, she smiles as she recalls, "The Lord heard my prayers because almost every child that we receive has been a baby."

Tacole and Marlon's newest miracle, wrapped in love.

Perhaps most rewarding has been witnessing children exceed medical expectations and, in some cases, becoming part of their forever family. 

"Another great reward is when, for whatever reason, they need a permanent home. We were able to be that for three of them. I just love the days where we have the opportunity to be able to give them that shirt that says they are a Robinson forever."

From foster care to forever family

“How did you decide to become a foster parent for children with medical needs?”

Tacole's path to foster parenting grew from her own personal experiences. After marrying in 2005, she and her husband struggled with infertility and experienced a miscarriage two years later.

"It was through those struggles that I was reminded that I had this desire as a young child to be a foster parent. I spent some time in foster care, and I've always had people who were not my biological parents who stepped up to help meet my needs."

Her husband agreed to attend an information session, which went "wonderfully." They specifically chose the medically fragile program because of their calling "to be ministers to those that are sick, those that need healing."

Tacole and Marlon answer their calling.

“How has Mentor's staff supported you and given you the confidence to be a successful foster parent?”

After more than ten years with Mentor Foster Care, Tacole speaks highly of the support system. "The staff has been wonderful. Since the very beginning, the director, Diane, has always been available. She's always been helpful. And her staff have done just the same."

From coordinators making home visits to nurses being available via text or call, Tacole emphasizes that foster parents are never alone. "Please know that Mentor Maryland is a great resource."

Five smiles, one loving family with Tacole and Marlon.

Get One-on-One Advice on Becoming a Foster Parent

Do you have an open heart like Tacole? If so, you can create miracles in the lives of children who need it the most – and discover joy and purpose in the process.

If you have questions about becoming a foster parent, you can get one-on-one advice from a Mentor Foster Care expert.

From questions about requirements to understanding how fostering might fit into your lifestyle, you’ll get answers specific to you and your family’s circumstances.