I turned 19 recently and the message on his card read ‘You’re just like a daughter to me and I’m lucky to have met you’.
I turned up at Nick’s three years ago with my little sister. At first, I was nervous because it was a new town, a new house, and a new parent all in one go.
We did things as a family, like going out for breakfast, and that helped me feel more comfortable.
It also helped that Nick is just so down to earth, kind and calm to absolutely everyone. Actually, that undersells him. Nick is the nicest person I’ve ever met! I always say that he could literally kill you with kindness.
I turned 19 recently and the message on his card read ‘You’re just like a daughter to me and I’m lucky to have met you’.
I also got a birthday card from Nick’s biological son, who lives at home with us, calling me sister.
You have no idea how much those simple sentences meant to me.
I’ve noticed a lot of stigma around foster children that they’re naughty and hard work. I’m hopeful that Nick would disagree!
I’ve watched him over the years holding down a busy job whilst looking after a household full of children and young adults on his own. He has very much inspired me to go to university, get a job and learn to drive.
As a foster child you get various allowances and it would be easy to see that as ‘free money’. But I’ve never seen it like that due to the work ethic installed in me by Nick.
I’m very grateful for the many opportunities he gave me, such as paying for driving lessons and helping me to buy a car. I'm so thankful for him.