The Cushing Family

Dave and Kristine Cushing and their children Joseph 16, Brian 11, Hannah 9, Jessica 8, and Steven 5 are one big, blended family.  There are stepchildren, biological children and adopted children in this family.  They lovingly refer to their home as a “zoo” because of the three dogs, fish, lots of cats, and two tortoises. 

Dave and Kristine were foster parents for five years and fostered about a dozen children before they decided to adopt.  They initially planned to adopt a little girl; however, they began fostering a sibling group of two sisters and eventually welcomed the girls’ younger brother into the family.  Dave and Kristine felt their biological sons, Joseph and Brian, were old enough to help make the decision to adopt.  The boys agreed to open their home and hearts to Hannah, Jessica and Steven.  Dave said they all interact like typical brothers and sisters. 

The family likes to go to Disneylandduring the Thanksgiving holiday.  They would love to go on a cruise to Alaska because Hannah, Jessica and Steven have Native American-Alaskan heritage.  The Cushings maintain close contact with the children’s aunt and uncle who live locally, enabling Hannah, Jessica, and Steven to have biological family from whom they can learn more about their heritage.  The Alaskan tribe linked to the children’s heritage approved of the Cushings desire to provide a “forever” home, and in effect, the adoption process was reciprocal as the tribe felt they were adopting the Cushing family into their tribal family.  The children have benefited tremendously from having stability and permanence through adoption and from the continuity of relationship with their biological relatives.

Dave and Kristine adopted Hannah, Jessica, and Steven in April of 2007.  Dave said it was a fulfilling day and that the room was full of relatives and friends.  The children said it was “pretty awesome.”  The only downside Dave could think of was having to drive a minivan.  He said he thought he would never own a minivan. 

Written By:  Elisa Hidalgo

Photo By: Robert Murray