Single mom from West Side adopts her fifth child
CINCINNATI (WKRC) - A single mother from the West Side has opened her heart and her home to an unusual number of adopted children.
When Cristen Casteel got a phone call from Miles' birth mother asking if she would adopt him, the decision didn't take long since Cristen already had his brother Jace. Many members of Cristen's big, loving family turned out to celebrate Miles' adoption day in front of Judge Ralph Winkler. It was adoption number five for her.
With her first adoption, Cristen's parents said, "She loves kids".
Number two brought the comment, "That's Cristen, we'll move on."
At number five they said, "We're used to it!"
Cristen's kindness earned her high praise from the judge, "If Cristen keeps doing this she may replace Mother Teresa as the best mother ever."
"It definitely has its challenges at times. There are days where I would like to take a nap but can't do that. However, I have to run a tight ship, a very routine home and it works for us. Something I was called to do, meant to do, I know that in my heart."
Cristen's world is filled with children, she's also a teacher at Colerain Middle School. While she said, "the bus is full" now at her house, she plans to continue working with adopted and foster care kids.
