This holiday season, 11-year-old Carter Wiles received the most meaningful gift of his life—a promise of love, security, and a new beginning. On Christmas Day, surrounded by family, Carter learned that he would officially be adopted by his aunt and uncle, a moment that filled him with overwhelming emotion.
Carter had been living with his biological parents in a difficult environment, and his aunt, Leah Kiphart, recognized the challenges he faced. After thoughtful discussions with the family, Leah and her husband decided to welcome Carter into their home permanently, offering him a chance at a better future.
The Kiphart family gathered to celebrate Christmas, and as they exchanged gifts and created memories, Carter found a special letter alongside a family photograph. In the letter, Leah expressed their deep love for him and asked, “Carter, this is a recent picture of our family. We want you to be in the next one as our son and brother. Do you want to become a Kiphart? We love you.”
Moved by the heartfelt words, Carter could hardly contain his emotion. He burst into tears and responded with an emphatic “yes,” filling the room with joy. Leah embraced him, and in a lighthearted moment, her husband added, “Now you can stay forever—well, until you turn 18 and I kick you out.”
Leah later shared, “Carter came to live with us because of his difficult situation at home. Adoption wasn’t the original plan, but after discussing it as a family, we knew it was the right decision. The next day, we shared the news with him.”
Carter’s story is a touching reminder of the transformative power of love and family, especially during the holiday season. It shows that even in the most unexpected of moments, new beginnings can arise, bringing joy, stability, and a sense of belonging.