Hannah Robinson was only a 19-year-old college student when her half-brother, TJ, was born in 2017. TJ, born prematurely at 32 weeks, was soon placed into foster care, bouncing from one family to another while his parents battled their issues with addiction.
Hannah, who shared a father with TJ, knew from the start that she wanted to be the one to give her brother a stable home. “I never imagined anything different,” she told People. “He needs somebody, and I’m going to be that person.”
A Test Of Love And Patience
Hannah’s determination was clear when she spoke to her high-school sweetheart, Drew Munn, about her intentions. At first, Drew, who had been dating Hannah since the 10th grade, wasn’t sure they were ready to be parents. Both were still in college—Hannah at St. Lawrence College in Ontario and Drew at Canada’s Royal Military College. But despite their young age and inexperience, Hannah eventually won Drew over.
“When TJ was born, we were still in college, still gaining adult experience,” says Drew, now a 25-year-old engineer officer in the Canadian Armed Forces. “But TJ needed us. Hannah’s conviction convinced me.”
When the couple graduated, they bought a house and prepared a room for TJ, hoping he would soon join their family. Hannah, now a photographer in New Brunswick, stayed in close contact with TJ’s social workers, constantly expressing her desire to adopt him.
A Heartwarming Reunion
Years passed with little progress. Hannah wasn’t even allowed to visit TJ for over a year during his last foster placement. But when a new social worker took over his case, things began to change. The siblings were reunited at a park, where five-year-old TJ ran to Hannah and embraced her with a heartfelt, “I missed you so much.”
In October 2022, TJ moved in with Hannah and Drew, who were by then engaged. A year later, TJ was the star of the couple’s wedding, proudly sitting at the sweethearts’ table in a tux that matched Drew’s.
Looking To The Future
TJ, now seven, has formed a close bond with Drew, and the couple continues to work on legally adopting him. Their journey has been full of joy and love, with TJ expressing his happiness in calling Hannah and Drew “mom” and “dad.”
As the couple looks forward to the arrival of a baby boy this October, TJ is excited about becoming a big brother—a wish he’s had for several birthdays and Christmases. The family is eager to keep growing together, cherishing each moment they share.
Resources:
National Foster Parent Association
Adoption Network
References:
People: These High School Sweethearts Adopted Her 5-Year-Old Brother
Upworthy: Woman who adopted her little brother from foster care surprises him with the trip of a lifetime
Hannah Robinson on Instagram