Well, this thread has strengthened my desire to adopt a teen from foster care. I technically have/had a family but they were more like roommates than parents. Left at 18 and never looked back. Had my share of lonely holidays that I would dread when they came around. I’m not trying to say I’ve had the same story as those here, but I get some parts of it really well. I’m finally at a place where maybe I can prevent that from happening to someone else.