StoryCorps St. Louis brings you a conversation with Eddie Foxx, 18, and his foster grandfather Clyde Trucks, 56.
Foxx wound up in foster care at the age of 12 after his biological father was arrested several times for DUI (driving under the influence), leaving his family without the means to support Eddie. He spent the next few years in the foster care system, until Trucks' daughter adopted him in to their "forever family."
Foxx and Trucks talk about Eddie's history in the foster care system and Clyde's fears about his daughter's decision. When Trucks' daughter first told him of her desire to be a foster parent, he was hesitant. "I'll just be honest: We were scared to death ... Forgive me, but I had my doubts." But, as he got to know Foxx, his fears were unfounded.
Grandson and grandfather also discuss their shared definitions of family. It was weird for Foxx to now have a grandfather, grandmother, and parents he called, "Mom" and "Dad." But he says of this forever family, "My mom's really loving, really playful. She goes to the end of the world for me. And my dad, he's the same way. He goes out of his way to help me and guide me...to help make me better."
St. Louis on the Air is participating in StoryCorps’ Great Thanksgiving Listen. High school students are invited to interview a grandparent or other significant elder over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. You can download, record, and submit directly via the StoryCorps app (iOS/Android). If you record an interview, email talk@stlpublicradio.organd let us know your name and who you interviewed.
