Cape Coral woman still feels called to be a mom after losing four children

Inside her Cape Coral kitchen, Tamanika Rooks realizes her dreams have risen to reality.

Those dreams were filled with sweet treats and teachable moments with her three children.

"The oldest, he has sensory issues," said Tamanika. "Then, of course, you've got the two's. You know how two-year-olds can be. And then Joshua, now he's learned how to walk two-and-a-half weeks ago, so you know, he's busy."

There's no recipe for motherhood, and Tamanika's path here has been anything but easy.

"After losing four of my own, one I had to birth him and then the other three were early miscarriages," said Tamanika. "I figured that God had another reason and way of me being a mom."

Even after losing four children, Tamanika didn't give up. That's when she decided to foster.

"What if I get too attached?" said Tamanika. "How will that feel? I wanted to guard my heart."

Despite her fears, today, Tamanika has fostered six children.

"Once you get one, you get another one, and you keep getting them. It's all just natural and you keep doing it," said Tamanika.

So far, she's adopted two. Her third child, by what she calls a miracle, she gave birth to last year.

"It was a long journey, but you know, I'm thankful that I was chosen to fulfill this need. It's a real big need for other foster moms," said Tamanika.

Tamanika believes she's where she is today thanks to the community that's backed her.

"When we actually had this resource center here locally, we realized the need for connection was the biggest need of all," said Kacie Hass.

Hass is the co-founder of a non-profit called Foster Village, which connects foster moms to support groups and resources. It's where Tamanika received help and where she gives it today.

"I love how much she wants to still stand in everything she's doing and still help everyone else at whatever stage they are," said Hass.

For Tamanika, the family she dreamed of was worth every minute of the wait.

"We're here now. They were adopted, and we're a real family. A real family with the name and all," said Tamanika.