Finding Family: West Texas foster system changed local mom’s life

MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) -Ashleigh Bowden is the proud mother of two girls, Harper and Mila, who came into her life through the foster system.

“You give a lot, but you get so much more back,” Bowden said.

Bowden’s journey to motherhood began after she witnessed a friend enter the foster system at 16. That friend was never adopted.

“She has done great things being in that situation so it’s always been at the back of my mind,” Bowden said.

Bowden decided she would be the answer she wished someone had been for her friend.

Becoming a foster mom

The road to adoption wasn’t easy. Becoming a licensed foster mom took five to six months of paperwork, training and emotional weight.

Both girls came as emergency placements. Both were officially adopted around their first birthdays.

For too many kids in foster care, those milestones pass without anyone there to witness them. Bowden made sure that wouldn’t be the case for Harper and Mila.

Now, every day, she gets to be called the most special name in the world.

“They call me all variations of the word — mom, mommy, mama. I’ll answer to all of them,” Bowden said.

When asked what she loves about her mommy, Harper said, “Kissing.”

“It’s a lifelong job that I’m proud to take on, and I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Bowden said.

Bowden said her family is complete for now, but as the girls grow older she’s hoping to open her heart for adoption again and welcome a teen into her home.

There are 435 kids in the West Texas foster system, if you have any interest in helping these kids find their forever family click here for local adoption resources.