Brighten Your Day

'Our Lives Are Complete': A Teacher Adopts His Student And 3 Siblings

August 27, 2024

In a heartwarming story that exemplifies the power of love and compassion, a teacher in Kentucky adopted one of his students and the boy's three siblings, giving them the forever family they had longed for.

The Padgett family / Credit: Kasey Padgett

Justin Padgett, a fifth-grade teacher at Highland Elementary School, first met Jayden when the boy began struggling with his schoolwork. Determined to help, Justin spent extra time tutoring Jayden in reading and social studies.

During one of their sessions, Jayden made a confession that would change both their lives. “I have to be adopted,” the young boy told his teacher. Jayden explained that his current foster parents couldn’t adopt him or his three siblings and that his birth family had lost their parental rights.

Justin and his wife, Kasey, had been praying for children but had come to terms with the fact that it might not be in their future. However, they had already begun taking classes to prepare for fostering children, hoping to provide a loving home for those in need. Jayden's words struck a chord, and the Padgetts felt called to take a leap of faith.

Credit: Kasey Padgett

The couple welcomed Jayden and his three siblings into their home, fostering them with the intention of adopting. On March 3, 2022, their dream became a reality when the adoption was made official, and the Padgett family grew from two to six.

“Our lives are complete,” Justin shared in an interview. “We have left it all up to God to put us where we need to be at the right time. I feel fulfilled.”

Now, as a family of six, the Padgetts hope their story will inspire others to consider fostering or adopting children in need. They believe that every child deserves a loving home and a chance to thrive, and they’re eager to spread that message to others.