Durham, N.C. – After his twelve-hour shift, Deputy J. Morgan backs into his driveway and breathes another sigh of relief; he made it home safely. Before he gets the chance to open the door of his squad car, three smiling faces, brimming with toddler curiosity greet him at the end of a long day. When the Sheriff’s Office first posted this photo, it garnered many likes and emoji reactions. It also begged the question: who are those little boys in the photo? Are neighborhood kids chatting up a deputy? Yes, and so much more.
“The boys were playing in the yard with my wife. They always come running over to my patrol car and ask me to turn the blue lights on; they think it’s the coolest thing ever,” explained Deputy Morgan. “They can’t wait for me to play Frisbee, or push them on the swings, or walk to a nearby park to play. No matter what kind of day I’ve had, they’re so happy to see me and to tell me about their day at school.”
We can’t get enough of this picture perfect moment. The adorable trio, eager to see Deputy Morgan are his foster sons. Ranging in age from 2 to 4, the Morgans decided they were up for the challenge that comes with raising rambunctious little boys. After learning about the desperate need for foster parents in Durham County, they signed up.
“As our pastor put it, fostering and adoption are a reflection of the love that God showed us when he opened his home to us and adopted us into his family,” said Deputy Morgan, who attends the Summit Church. “We know many families have felt called to international adoption, but because of our close involvement with the community, we felt called to serve right here in Durham.”
There are 56 foster care homes in Durham County, but the need far exceeds the number of families willing to open their doors. About 240 children in Durham County are in need of a foster family. Morgan says there are many ways to help foster children, including local outreach programs and ministries.
The Morgans plan to adopt all three of their foster sons. This Father’s Day, they want to encourage others to open their hearts and their home.
“I hope and pray that they know how God loves them and has a plan for them,” said Deputy Morgan. “I hope that, through everything, I can teach them strong values and morals, to be kind and respectful to everyone they meet, to set goals in life, and to work hard to achieve them. But mostly to know that I love them no matter what.”
Special Thanks To the Durham County Sheriff’s Office