Meet the Brummel-Taylor Family!
In recognition of Pride Month, we would like to use this time as an opportunity to help unite, connect, and support others who might be searching for families who look similar to theirs. We are honored and excited to introduce June’s Care Provider of The Month: The Brummel-Taylor’s! They are an easy-going and adventure-loving family who came together in the most magical way.
Mary and Maria always knew they wanted to raise a family together. In fact, they both have a background in direct care. Mary previously worked with at-risk teenagers at the Ozone House in Ann Arbor, and Maria’s major in college was Family Services. As a part of the LGBTQ community, Mary and Maria already had a great understanding and openness of what it means to start a family. The couple had tried to conceive for over a year, but to no avail. It was then that they decided to start considering alternative options. They came into their initial foster care training with high hopes of adoption, but quickly learned that this was not always a guarantee. Regardless of the fact, the pair knew that they wanted to make an impact in a child’s life in some way.
As Mary and Maria learned of the impact, they could make they both began their foster parent training in August 2015 and finalized their license just eight months later in April of 2016. Within only a week, the calls came rolling in. You could say 2016 was quite the whirlwind of a year for this duo. In this stretch of time alone, Mary and Maria said their “I Do’s”, received their first foster care placement, and found out they were expecting! Busting at the seams of their tiny ranch home, they moved to a bigger house in 2017 and Grammy (Maria’s mother) joined the household, in a win-win-win for Grammy/moms/kids!
A few years down the road, just when the couple had started to feel comfortable being parents of two, a relative of their now-adopted child was placed into foster care, and Maria and Mary were approached with the opportunity to foster this child. Again, timing turns this family’s story into another adventure. Interestingly enough, right before they received this call, Maria and Mary had just purchased a new dining room table with six chairs. With their new purchase came curiosity. With Mommy, Mama and Grammy, plus two kids, there was still an empty seat. Each child in the home noticed the one empty chair at their new table and would always ask who was going to fill the last spot? After many weeks of waiting for confirmation that the infant would be coming to stay with them, Maria and Mary shared the exciting news that a new child would be joining their family. Each child in their home was so excited that they took it upon themselves to set a place at the table for him. They said, “Now, our table is complete.”
As of today, the family consists of three children, ages include the family’s four, five and fifteen month old who is currently in the final stages of adoption. Even though reunification was not possible for Maria and Mary’s foster children, they have been able to stay in contact with their biological grandmother “Nana”, as well as three other half-siblings. The Brummel-Taylor family continues to grow (older, not in quantity!). They enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities such as bike riding, gardening, and camping. Additionally, they make it a point to turn everyday experiences into “adventures”, such as activities like grocery shopping or going to the park or local museum.
It is important to understand that it’s not always going to be rainbows and butterflies on this journey. The couple explains that the hardest part for them while creating this beautiful family is knowing that while you can do everything in your power to love these children and keep them safe and happy, they may never be able to fully heal from the initial trauma that comes along with the separation from their biological parents. When it comes to advice for anyone considering becoming a Care Provider themselves, the Brummel-Taylor’s bestow a few words of wisdom. They mention, “Above all, you must remember that the well-being and best interests of the foster child are the first priority. And you have to be ready and willing to roll with the punches. A lot of this process is out of your control and can be unpredictable at times. You have to be prepared to accept whatever that might mean.”
No one ever said that becoming a parent would be an easy journey, regardless of how you might get there. With countless options to consider, finding accurate information that will lead you down the path that’s best suited for you can be difficult, but that’s exactly what Wolverine Human Services aims to provide. We invite everyone to embrace the beauty, uniqueness, and value of every family, no matter their composition, background, or legal status. Today, and every day, we reaffirm our commitment to fighting for a world where everyone can be themselves, free of fear and discrimination.
To join us in our mission of providing quality care to all children and families, fill out the Care Provider form below!