Houston Strong: Couple adopts siblings to keep them together
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Posing for a family portrait, the Gallaghers may look like the classic American storybook family, but in fact theirs is not quite a storybook tale.
"I love the fact that my pastor says God never wastes a hurt. And I think that's key, cause these children, they've had difficult pasts, said mom, Ann Marie Gallagher.
In fact, every member of the Gallagher family has had their share of pain. Ann Marie and her husband Harry couldn't have children of their own, which lead them to foster parent. But after having newborns and toddlers in their home, they had an unexpected realization when they decided to adopt.
"You want to raise a child from birth if you can, ideally, but what we didn't realize, though was the benefits of older children, and there are benefits," Harry said.
So 5 years ago, they took on Jose, then 10 years old, along with his sister Samantha . They'd never lived together. It took Jose months to stop feeling like he was dreaming. He was overwhelmed.
"I had a big dog, I had a big house, I had my own room, and got to see my sister everyday. It's pretty amazing," said the high school sophomore.
A year and a half later-the Gallaghers adopted another set of siblings, then-15 year old Wesley, and his then-7 year old sister Angelina. Wesley was in a residential treatment center. He has special needs and was giving up on family life and being reunited with his sister.
"I only had a couple months there-- a couple weeks, until I was kicked out, and after that I was out, and I thought that's how my life was going to end. And I was pretty much afraid. I was scared, I was scared," said 18-year-old Wesley.
That fear has been replaced now by the security that only a TRUE family brings. A family that will grow by a third set of siblings, 4 and 5 year old sisters, whose adoption will be finalized early next year.
Understandably, there is pride in the home this family has built together--deliberately, by choice, through sacrifice, and love. So, as your family members annoy you with their tired exaggerated stories, their judgments or their selfishness this holiday season, remember Ann Marie and Harry Gallagher whose home and whose hearts epitomize both thanks, and giving.
"Count your blessings, be positive, and just show the kids that you can love them, " she offers.
The Gallagher family is Houston Strong.
