Xander's Story: A Journey of Triumph Over Adversity

As a family through the years, we have gravitated toward rescuing at-risk kids. Kids in crumbling family units, abuse and/or neglect often receive destructive messages that they are NOT loved and the they are all alone.  As we developed Lavender Life Company Vickie and I were committed to do something to help combat these messages, but we didn’t know what to do, or how to do it - not until little Xander entered our life.

After several years of unsuccessful attempts to have children, our daughter and son-in-law sought to foster and adopt. God sent them Xander, an adorable blonde-haired, blue-eyed two-year-old who came with his own “mailbox” of messages. Through the whole process, we discovered some alarming statistics of kids in the foster care system that solidified our resolve to help these kids, and to encourage those on the front lines rescuing them:

• 437,465 children presently are in the US foster care system;
• 273,539 children enter the foster care system annually;
• 117,794 children in the foster care system are awaiting adoption;
• 57,208 children in foster care were adopted this past year;
• 9,388 children have been in foster care for five years or more;
• 17,394 children in foster care, never got a forever home and entered adulthood on their own.       

                                                           (Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System - AFCARS - 2016)

Xander Bunnies are Born

Over a year we had developed a line of premium baby textiles, lavender products and a plush, lavender-filled, warmable bunny - products that “hug” and that remind us all how much we are loved.  Xander, especially loved the bunny (he picked a pink one and even helped fill it). One day this past summer while filling some of the first 2500 bunnies, Vickie and I had an eureka moment. “For every bunny we sell, we could place one in the hands of a child in the foster care system.” Lavender is known to be calming, to reduce anxiety and to induce sleep - all of which are critical needs of kids in trauma. No matter the child’s status or unsettling background, the bunny could give them a tangible “hug” and perhaps the bunny could help overwrite the previous messages - They ARE loved & they are NOT alone!  “Let’s name them Xander Bunnies,” we declared. And so, Xander Bunnies were born - by the thousands!

As we fill each bunny, we pray for the little “Xander” that may someday receive it; we pray for families in trauma, that they can get their feet back under them; we pray for  families to consider fostering to provide a safe temporary home: and we pray for some to open their hearts to adopt. We echo The Dave Thomas Foundation’s challenge:

“81.5 million Americans have considered adoption. If just one in 500 of these adults adopted, EVERY waiting child in foster care would have a permanent family.” www.davethomasfoundation.org

The Message is Out!

At Lavender Life Company, our products are handcrafted in small batches with our customers, our friends and now with “Xanders” in mind.  We are being bold to think that in time, we will be able to place a Xander Bunny in the hands of all 437 thousand children in foster care, helping overwrite the messages of trauma, and perhaps see a surge in families fostering and adopting. We all are loved and are not alone. We are grateful that the message is getting out, that Xander’s Story is also our story!

Xander's Story is an inspiring narrative about a young child's journey through life, filled with both trials and triumphs. From a young age, Xander faced numerous challenges that could have easily deterred him from pursuing his dreams. However, Xander was determined to not let these obstacles define him. Instead, he used them as fuel to push forward, demonstrating remarkable resilience and strength of character. Throughout his journey, Xander encountered moments of doubt and fear, but he never allowed these feelings to consume him. His unwavering determination and belief in himself were pivotal in overcoming the hurdles that stood in his way.

One significant aspect of Xander's Story is his ability to adapt and learn from his experiences. Whether it was dealing with personal loss, academic struggles, or professional setbacks, Xander approached each situation with a mindset focused on growth and self-improvement. He understood that every challenge presented an opportunity to learn and evolve. This mentality not only helped him navigate difficult times but also allowed him to develop skills and qualities that would prove invaluable in his future endeavors.

Xander's journey was not one of solitude; he was fortunate to have a support system that believed in him and encouraged him to keep moving forward. Friends, family, and mentors played crucial roles in providing guidance and motivation when he needed it most. Their unwavering support reminded Xander that he was not alone in his struggles, which gave him the courage to persevere even when the odds seemed insurmountable. Together, they celebrated his successes and learned from the setbacks, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose that enriched Xander's Story.

As Xander continued to grow and achieve his goals, he realized the importance of giving back and helping others who were in similar situations. He became an advocate for resilience and empowerment, sharing his experiences to inspire and uplift those around him. Xander's Story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the value of a strong support network, and the impact of a positive mindset. It serves as a reminder that, no matter how challenging life may become, there is always a way to overcome adversity and achieve greatness if one remains determined and focused.