I first met Dan and Eleshia in 2007. Sitting on their couch, I listened as they expressed their interest in making a difference through foster care. Despite some initial nerves, they had a calm presence. Their household, nestled in a small corner of Northwest Omaha, was quiet.
Becoming a foster parent isn’t easy. Evening training sessions covered challenging topics: grief, loss, trauma, abuse, neglect, and ways to support a child and their family. The process doesn’t get easier.
I’m Matt Priest, the Director of Foster Family Services at Boys Town. In order to achieve their license, the Teets had to open up their life to complete strangers. They had to lay out their joys and challenges for me and my team to critique and dissect, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for children. These children deserve that scrutiny.
Their quiet household transformed when they welcomed their first child. They were naturals—exceptional with children of all ages and backgrounds. After adopting, they wanted to do more. They tried again, and again, each time successful. Family challenges didn’t stop them. Health scares didn’t stop them. They persevered because it was their calling.
Over the years, they remained partners, colleagues, and friends. They updated me on their growing children, and I provided advice and resources. They always took my call, and we maintained a supportive partnership.
Eighteen years later, our partnership endures. I have always admired their skill and their story. I am honored they shared their story, which deserves even more admiration. As a father myself, I’ve learned a lot from them: a calm presence, persistence.
And learned that a quiet household is overrated.
If you feel you have a calling, if you feel you have a home full of love that a child could benefit from, if you just want to know more, I urge you to take the first step. There are so many children in need and you can be the answer to their prayers.
To learn more about the Teet Family's story, click here.
