---
title: Foster Parenting Is Part of Me | Aspire Living & Learning
description: James Lynn has been a Foster Parent through Aspire Living & Learning since 1998. He shares insight into the relationships he's built and support he's received.
---

[Aspire Living & Learning Blog ](https://blog.allinc.org)

# [Foster Parenting Is Part of Me | Aspire Living & Learning](https://blog.allinc.org/blog/foster-parenting-is-part-of-me)

 Written by [Brittany Ruggiero](https://blog.allinc.org/author/brittany-ruggiero) | Feb 24, 2022 6:17:50 PM

*By James Lynn*

I’ve been a foster parent for 23 years, the first ten years with my wife at the time. From 2011 to the present, I have been parenting solo. To date, I have formed a lifelong permanent relationship with six of the children. I am Dad, and they are my kids. We all see each other regularly—weekends, holidays, vacations, etc. Currently, I have seven grandchildren from the various kids that have come to me!

It is hard to believe it has been more than two decades since being a foster parent. I was the age some of my kids are now just starting out! They often mention that fact. Like, “how’d ya do that? Taking care of babies & troubled teens, too.” It was certainly a challenge and a unique dynamic. Like all families, there have been many ups and downs along the way. It has just become a part of me and a way of life. In addition to forming a committed lifelong relationship with these six children, I have provided temporary respite care to others in need. For example, we had two young brothers for a few years, but the plan all along was for them to return home to their grandpa. Currently, I have a close relationship with two teens who stay with me regularly.

All these kids mean the world to me. It feels like it was what I was meant to do. All of the foster and birth children and my extended family are one big family. They all call each other brothers (and one sister), and I am Dad. I have been truly blessed to have all of the great kids in my life. They even do things around the house and chores if I am lucky, hahaha!

I would recommend the [Aspire Permanency Program](https://allinc.org/foster-care/) to anyone that may be on the fence or undecided and always thought of providing foster care. All of the staff have been very supportive to me through the years, and I have a great past & ongoing relationships with so many Aspire staff.

*James Lynn has been a Foster Parent through Aspire Living & Learning since 1998.*

[View full post](https://blog.allinc.org/blog/foster-parenting-is-part-of-me)

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