Even though the word Superhero is used as a metaphor in this podcast, I can’t help but mention one of the most iconic superhero myths of all time; that’s the story of Superman. There’s many reasons why we love and relate to this story, but in this case I find myself having a new appreciation of Superman’s adoption story.

Today’s Superhero Next Door just happens to be my sister-in-law, Connie Sowards. I’ve watched Connie for the past 17 yrs display countless acts of selfless service to her family. I would describe her as smart, creative, hard working and an excellent cook. Her cinnamon rolls are to die for! She has given birth to seven children and has adopted four. I’ve seen her rise to the occasion of mothering 11 children despite being mentally and physically exhausted. Not only that, but she is on a mission to help as many children who come from broken homes as she can. Offering hope to the innocent.

I think after you hear about her journey, you can’t help but be reminded of the importance of family and that everyone deserves to be loved.

On a side note, I hope you don’t hear this episode and think, “there’s no way I can live up to these standards!”  I mean, Ben & Connie’s kids are quite amazing. Their kids talents range from writing their own music, scoring perfectly on their ACT scores and being one of the youngest drum majors in their high school. Others are performing regularly in the Shakespeare festivals, one is a gifted gymnast! But Connie will be one the first to tell that they are just as dysfunctional as the next family. What’s important is how you rise above our challenges and foster a feeling of love and support for one another.

On this Episode we learn..

Connie’s Origin Story:

• How growing up on a farm and falling off a horse taught her a valuable lesson.
• How her Faith instilled in her the importance of Family.
• How she met and decided to marry her High School sweetheart.
• How she nearly died giving birth to her 7th child.

Life Changing Obstacle:

• Connie felt it was important to Foster Care despite the fact that their hands were already full with their 7 kids.
• Lessons she learned while going through the training.
• How she got her husband on board.
• Concerns about putting her own children at risk while doing Foster Care and how those concerns were resolved.
• The moment the first two Foster kids arrived in their home and the trauma they had endured in their previous homes.
• The symbol of the Summer dress.
• Transitioning the Foster kids with her own kids and the behavior transitions/trials that happened.
• Deciding to bring in the Foster kids siblings into their home.

Transformation occurs, Superpowers are realized:

• Connie is offered a job at the Family Support Center (DONATE HERE)
• How she and her husband Ben (@_bensowards_) work full-time and care for a family of 11 kids.
• What the crisis center does for families and the situations they see.
• Connie’s philosophy on what she does to recharge.
• Why children still long for their parents even though they’ve been abused.
• What monumental transformations she has seen in the Adopted Children.
• What she wished all Foster Parents knew when going down this path.
• Her favorite quote from her Dad that holds a special meaning to their family.

Here are some amazing stories about foster and adoption.

Do you know a Superhero Next Door you’d like to nominate?  Submissions can be anonymous and will either be a blog post or possibly a podcast episode.  Click HERE to submit their heroes journey.

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