Emma Patterson, a single mother from Maryland, opened her heart and home to nearly 40 foster children over the years.
Emma’s story shows how one person’s love can change many lives. As Christians, we’re called to care for those in need, and Emma lived this out daily.
It all started in the 1980s when Emma’s own kids brought home friends who needed help. These children often lacked basic things like warm coats or food. Emma saw their needs and stepped in to help.
“My children started bringing children home that the parents had discarded,” Emma said. “Some kids didn’t have coats or needed shoes. Some were just hungry. I did the best I could to help them.”
Emma’s home became a safe place for many kids, including newborns from hospitals. She cared for up to nine children at once, some as young as a day old. Many of these babies were born addicted to drugs and couldn’t go home with their birth parents.
For Emma, loving these children wasn’t just something she did – it became her way of life. She believed that by giving them a loving home, she could help them grow into caring adults.
Emma faced her own challenges during this time. She had split from her husband and worked two jobs to make ends meet. She often used her work discount to buy things the children needed.
Over time, Emma’s home became an official foster home for Montgomery County. She took in more children, including newborns who needed a place to go right away. She even adopted two of the children she fostered.
At age 88, Emma is now retiring after decades of helping children. The county recently gave her an award to thank her for her years of service. But Emma stays humble about what she’s done.
“I didn’t do it for recognition,” she said. “It was always about a boy or girl who needed a place to sleep or something to eat.”
Emma credits her own loving family for teaching her how to care for others. She wanted to give the same love she received to every child who came to her.
The best part for Emma is seeing how well her foster children have done in life. “I’m so proud of them,” she said. “They’ve all turned out to be wonderful people.”
Emma’s story reminds us that there’s still a big need for foster parents. In 2020, over 400,000 children in the U.S. were waiting for a permanent home.
Emma Patterson’s life shows us how much difference one person can make. Her love and care have touched many lives. As we think about her story, we might ask ourselves how we can help children in need.
May God bless those who answer His call to serve, just as He blessed Emma’s journey of love.
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