LYNDA JOHNSON settled into the wheelchair as the nurse swaddled 4-month-old Natasha before placing her in Lynda’s outstretched arms. Although Lynda and her husband, Alfred, already had four children, Natasha was the first — and last — they brought home from the hospital. Arms they once thought would be empty were filled.
Alfred was the second eldest of 16, and Lynda lost her mother when she was 10, so the two longed for a large family after they married.
“We were looking to have children, but it didn’t turn out that way. Fostering is what God used to fill our home,” Lynda said. “Foster care and adoption is an experience that I am so glad we were part of. We raised our children in church at Bright Temple and did what we believe God wanted us to do.”
Eight years into their marriage, the Johnsons adopted 2-year-old Alfie. When Alfie was 15, sisters Michelle and Allison, who were 6 and 8, joined the family. Though Alfred’s health was in a steady decline, and he was partially disabled due to a leaky heart valve that required nine years of daily dialysis treatments, they became foster parents. It wasn’t long before 9-month-old Della and then Natasha were placed in their care. Alfie had just graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, and Michelle and Allison were 10 and 12.
“I knew people who were foster parents, so I observed what they were doing. When I was growing up, several people in my family had foster children. You must love the children and be able to accept them in whatever situation they are in. You can’t let your emotions run away with you. Patience is also important, and you can’t leave God out. Because I’d lost my mother and was sent to live with my sister when I was 12, I understood what being displaced felt like.”
Lynda cooked and drove a van for the Child Development Center (CDC) for 38 years before retiring in 2011, and Alfred drove a van for the CDC for a decade.
“Of the 43 years Alfred and I were married, he was only able to work the first 10. He was sick off and on for 33 years. When we adopted Alfie, I didn’t work, but when the others came along, I did,” said Lynda.
When Della was 7 and Natasha was 4, their adoptions were finalized.
“Alfred prayed and asked God to let him live to see our girls grown. They were 16 and 18 when he passed. September will be 23 years without him.”
Now that Lynda is a widow, the “children” take care of her.
“Not only did I get to love these children, but they love me back. Last year, I had breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy. Alfie drove me to my appointments in Nashville, and Della lives with me. I hear from each of them nearly every day. I don’t know what I would do without my five children. Thanks to their help, I’ve been cancer-free for over a year now.”
As a way of honoring Lynda, though she is a single parent, Natasha is now a foster mom. All three of the children in her care are active in sports.
Natasha said, “The most rewarding aspect is making a difference in a child’s life. Being a foster parent has shaped me in so many ways. I’ve learned how to build trust with children who may have experienced trauma, and how to provide consistent support, and how to set appropriate boundaries.”
When it comes to her mother, Lynda, Natasha said, “Thank you for opening your heart and home to me. Your kindness and commitment have made all the difference, and that’s why I chose to be a foster parent to help others.”
Whether opening their hearts to neglected children or encouraging relationships with their biological parents, Alfred and Lynda sowed kindness and compassion all along their journey.
Reflecting on her life, Lynda said, “I hope I’ve touched somebody’s life as I passed through this way.” GN
To begin your own journey, go to www.tnkidsbelong.org
