From a young age, Brandi Bagley always knew she wanted to care for as many children as she was able to. She wasn’t quite sure what that would look like in her future, but it was her husband, Charles, who eventually showed her the way.
Charles grew up in a foster family, welcoming children into he and his single mother’s home and providing the stability that so many children needed. That foundation of caring for others became status quo for Charles’ life when he began his family with Brandi.
“[Charles] knew growing up without a father that he wanted nothing more than to be a great role model and great father,” Brandi said. “Everyone has it in them to help a child in need. You don’t have to be rich or be a stay-at-home parent. Your life can continue as it would have but with a foster child in your home. All you need is patience, understanding, and an open heart.”
After Brandi and Charles had two beautiful daughters, Camryn and Chloe, they knew their story of loving and caring for children wasn’t over, but biological children were no longer an option. Charles introduced Brandi to the idea of fostering with the goal of reunification, and they became licensed soon after.
Brandi, Charles, and their daughters have been licensed and caring for children for over five years. Throughout that stretch, six children have come through the Bagley’s home, but one special child earned his place in the family’s hearts forever.
The Bagleys welcomed 2-year-old Wesley into their home, and he was loved by the family immediately, as they did with every child in their care. Wesley became a part of the family, fully enveloped by Brandi and Charles, as well as Camryn and Chloe, who gained a temporary little brother.
“We spent sleepless nights worrying about whether we were doing enough or doing what was right for this little guy,” Brandi said. “You question everything. You aren’t there the day he was born, you don’t know what he’s seen in his life, or where he has been, but you know you want to take away any ounce of pain he may have or may be experiencing.”
Wesley was in the Bagley’s care for many months before his biological mother reunited with him. While saying goodbye to Wesley broke the Bagley’s hearts, they were comforted that he was with family and grateful for the time they had spent with him.
Wesley’s impact on the Bagley family was rooted in love, so Brandi became a resource for his biological mother to get back on track. The family stayed in touch with both Wesley and his mother, facilitating weekly phone calls and visits to continue caring for the little boy they loved so much alongside his mother.
Around six months after Wesley’s reunification with his mother, he reentered the Bagley’s care. Their hearts broke once again knowing that Wesley could no longer be with his biological mother, though they were overjoyed to have Wesley as a part of their family again.
“It made us all not take each other and our time for granted,” Brandi said. “Wesley was the missing piece to our family that we didn’t even realize we were missing.”
Ultimately, Wesley began an adoption track and joined the Bagley family officially in November 2025.
“The only thing that changed from being a foster mom to an adopted mom was a piece of paper,” Brandi said. “My feelings have never changed, and in my eyes, he was always meant to be in my life.”
As the newest member of the Bagley family, Wesley has loved caring for his 18-month-old foster brother, playing for his flag football team coached by Charles, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills with his Grand Island, New York, family.
Wesley even has big dreams to play football for the Bills one day.
“We love seeing the children that come into our home smile and feel so full of hope and life,” Brandi said. “I love the thought of helping these kids get through even the littlest of hurdles now, so that maybe when they grow up, they will have to confidence to do anything they set their mind to.”
This true story is brought to you by The Bagley Family. If you or someone you know is a foster family and are interested in sharing your story with us, please visit Tell Your Story.
Created by Keeley Lamm, Bananas Foster