A Sylmar Family is Thankful for Adoption of Three Grandchildren

For Emily Carranza and her husband Alex Lerma of Sylmar, this Thanksgiving is especially meaningful. After being foster parents for three of their grandchildren for nearly three years, the couple officially adopted the trio of adorable toddlers on Nov. 14.

“I’m very thankful that I do have all three of them in my home and I know they’re safe and they’re here to stay,” said Carranza. In addition to providing a safe haven for the little ones, love is plentiful in their home and family – from herself, her husband, their 18-year-old son Paul, their 13-year-old daughter Delilah, their two grown children and the rest of the extended family. 

Although Carranza is filled with both joy and gratitude over adopting the siblings – Kenny, 4, Rose, 3, and 2-and-a-half-year-old Scarlett – it’s also bittersweet, she said. The children’s mother is her stepdaughter Nicole, 36, who has been part of Carranza’s life since she married Lerma – Nicole’s father – 30 years ago. Sadly, Nicole has battled substance abuse issues for years, and Carranza and Lerma have stepped in to care for her children to ensure their health and safety.