Guthrie Couple Creates One Big, Happy Family

According to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Oklahomans are adopting children in record numbers.

Friday, December 24th 2010, 7:10 pm

By: News 9


News9.com

GUTHRIE, Oklahoma -- According to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Oklahomans are adopting children in record numbers. One Guthrie family is part of that trend, and taking several children into their home.

Foster parents Tonya and Travis Ratcliff adopted two children around Christmas last year. They now have five children and call their growing family a gift.

"Days are crazy; I'm not going to lie. I mean, days are nuts but you know it's more good than bad," Tonya Ratcliff said.

The Ratcliffs decided to become foster parents more than a year ago when Tonya, who works in a local neo-natal intensive care unit, came across a baby who was taken to a shelter after testing positive for drugs. She said she felt she had to do something.

"These kids don't have anything. I mean, they're born into this world... with drug exposure, being put into a shelter. Well, why not us? We're the only safe haven they have."

The couple had one biological child, then adopted four more children. The couple has admitted they have their hands full.

"There's going to be a lot of heartache," said Travis Ratcliff. "There's going to be a lot of trouble, but with patience, with understanding, with love and a lot of love and patience at the same time, it pays off so much."

Tonya Ratcliff is also due to give birth to another child in January.

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