Saying Goodbye to Jay Today , Hard for the family

Peter Mutabazi founded Now I Am Known, an organization that supplies resources to support vulnerable children. Originally from Uganda, Peter ran away from an abusive home at age ten and lived as a street kid for nearly five years. Today, Peter is a single dad to countless foster children and his adopted children, Anthony, Ryder, and Skyler.
Every child deserves a space like home-a sanctuary that echoes their unique spirit and aspirations. Through our Surprise Bedroom Makeovers, we transform the rooms of foster kids and teens into personalized havens of comfort, joy, and belonging. Because when a child feels seen, they feel known. And when they feel known, they shine.
As an African-immigrated citizen AND a former foster child himself-Peter provides educational, inspirational talks on foster care, adoption, child advocacy, and parenting. Peter has overcome a variety of life challenges, and he encourages listeners to love those around them and choose to see the hope in their stories.
Website: nowiamknown.org
Facebook: fosterdadflipper
Instagram: fosterdadflipper
Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@nowiamknown
Produced and edited by J42 Productions: www.j42productions.com ( / @j42productions )

[@debmc369]

I can't imagine your pain Peter. Thank goodness you were there for Jay. Please tell him we wish him the best in life !

[@5rgyyuyrgg]

I believe when Jay is 18, he's going to come back to Peter and the place we're he was truly loved like Zay did!

[@sherylheidecker9025]

Me too

[@alwayslearning1781]

When your young, you don't know what is best for you at times. He's going to miss an opportunity to have a better life.

[@marciadalcher278]

As a former foster child, I love this family; it reminds me of my foster parents who have passed away.

[@FosterDadFlipper]

Wow! I can see how much you loved them

[@TodaysBibleTruth]

Sweet. Hope you are doing well. 🤍

[@5rgyyuyrgg]

I have sent your family some gifts that should be delivered to your fan mail address tomorrow. Will you be able to give Jay his gifts at a later date?

[@lizf1353]

​@FosterDadFlipper hey Peter I think a great idea would be with the older teens that come into your care you build a tiny/mobile house together as a project. with your platform and resources from it plus the skills you have I think this is possible for you to do. It would be a HUGE difference for them when they age out of the system they have some stability from the jump. That is something that so many kids who leave struggle with and the difficulty of trying to cover the cost of housing drags many of them back to unsafe situations 😢

[@79klkw]

​@@lizf135318 is so young, for some kids. Too young to be without loving support. Your idea is wonderful ❤😊

[@kimberlyh0108]

Grief is the price we pay for love ❤️

[@FYI16789]

I hope Jay sees all these comments, we all love you Jay! We hope to see you again! God Bless you!

[@jtspritzer]

I'm so sorry Peter. You are a hero and your time with Jay will stay with him and guide him in the years ahead. Of course you want to protect him. You are a great parent and educator, an empathetic human being. Jay was lucky to have you in his court these past months and know that you contributed hope and balance to his life. Wishing you the best and thanking you for all that you do for these children.

[@skully0078]

A friend that aged out of the system was in the best place she had ever been in her last 6 months of the foster system. There is a large number of kids that don't get the stability that you offer. Jay is lucky to have been placed with you and be exposed to the stability you give.

[@glendaruff125]

Tell Jay we all wish him well.

[@kimwhitson7035]

This young man DESERVES a permanent home. Tears shed for all

[@La_mami_san]

Peter, I'm crying with you. I wish I lived close by to hug you. From one lone parent to another.

[@peacelily7751]

The important thing is the link you have. He will not forget the home you provided for him.

[@lemonsupernova8833]

I love how the "village" was so protective of Isabella during the live. Thank you, Zay for helping Peter with the live! It really shows how you and Maddie are very dependable and caring for the younger darlings. Luke is such a free spirit and Bela is adorable as always! Seeing Anthony lean on his dad from behind was heartwarming and him patting Peter's back was so funny! Love, love your family! 🥰

[@MuzzikLvr]

Oh wow, the little ones have older siblings. That was a bombshell. Hope some day they will have the opportunity to get to know them.

[@eleanorjoshua9646]

As an adoptive mum whose child has gone back to the system and has been reconnected back to birth family, Jay will keep in touch and will be back for Easter, Christmas and weddings etc! ❤❤Peter, stay strong.

[@okwadilwemotswakae4771]

Goodbyes are difficult Peter😢😢you are doing a great job raising your Kids

[@mgm2008]

Peter, we can tell that you care! Hopefully J. can stay in touch with you! God bless you!

[@myrnawilliams4415]

Thank you Peter for giving these kids a good life!

[@robinhall8417]

Bless you Peter. I am crying with you. You have a heart filled with love for all children. I admire you greatly. You are one of my heroes. Jay is a sweet and kind young man. I ask God to bless him and your family, a life full of happiness. Prayers, love and blessings for you all always!

[@frenchvideos3951]

You are the kindest man, and such a wonderful foster dad ❤❤❤❤❤

[@michelleharding3895]

Peter you are an amazing father , Jay stay blessed 🤗

[@mgm2008]

Single parenting is VERY difficult but also rewarding!!

[@rem-144]

May God grant Jay safety and a healthy life to transition to a God fearing family l hope they will adopt this humble young person who is now known.

[@amberwilliams2856]

Prayers. I know that pain. I have cried every time a child has left my home. The pain was worth it to see the progress the children get to make and get to know all the kids that I have fostered.

[@sunshinekiddo3766]

Hugs Peter I no it hurts but he knows you there for him if he needs you. You're such a lovely soul. We love you all. ❤

[@roxiegs348]

Peter, you are a good man. I guess this is what saying goodbye is like. It hurts, it’s raw and in a way it sucks. We are praying for Jay and his future, we are also praying for you, Anthony and the rest of the family. You have shown Jay true love and given him a great family. Hugs to you all.

[@lilethm.alvarez7330]

Jay wish you the best. Peter you do your best for every child that crosses your path. You're a fantastic parent. You've changed this boys life. Even took him on a vacation!

[@Ringelsocke.]

Every child that comes to you and lives with you for a while takes this time as an experience for the rest of their journey. Just as you did and still do. Jay knows, that he can call you any time, he can trust you and your door is always open. So it is not a loss, but a gain. And it's not a goodbye, it's a see you later.

[@harredondo1]

Praying for you and Jay and all the kids. Jesus is the best help!

[@paris9523]

The positive love you have shared with him. We all need your kindness in their life, Peter. God bless

[@pwelly7717]

He’ll always remember you 🙏❤️

[@sandyoi5301]

Our Hearts 💕 Are With You, Cherished Peter! Preschool Teacher here... knowing you gave Security, Stability, Positive Guidance and Development, and Especially Loving Nurturing... Helps Letting Go! Truly Sorry... Keep Your Faith... It is Going to Be Okay!!! Foster Care System is a Challenging Journey!!! 🙏💖🕊💖 🙏

[@loveislove-le5nj]

My boyfriend grew up in foster care and group homes. When he was 16, he went started a transition into supportive and independent living.

[@KarenW672]

You are so special Peter and we can all feel your pain. Your foster children will be better having known you and being loved by you. Wishing the best for Jay ❤

[@jillg9108]

I am sorry for your loss. I recall you stating that Jay was expected to stay for the remainder of his time in Foster care.

[@margsww9148]

Ah Peter, I'm sad for you and the family ! We were getting to know Jay too and sad to see him leaving. Wishing him all of the best for his future.

[@Pittymom82]

You are such a beautiful soul, to share your life and kids with J, and other foster children. We will miss seeing J, but will keep him (and you and the kids) in our prayers - hoping that your memories of the time with him help make the transition a little easier! 🙏❤️

[@FosterDadFlipper]

Thank you so much!

[@Okie_GiGi]

Peter you are a wonderful father for them!! I have a friend that kept in touch with her foster Mom & when she was 18 she had her as her mother until she passed❤. She was truly her “MOM”❤

[@myownwoman7777]

Thanks so much Peter and your children for loving and caring for Jay. GOD BLESS you Jay and all the best to you. I enjoyed watching you cook delicious foods and happy happy belated birthday to you. Much love and hugs to you. JESUS will never leave or forsake you. He is your refuge and fortress and strength and salvation. Love love love to you. ❤

[@jenniferwilcox6479]

Precious Peter I’m sure it’s soo difficult!!! Man!!! You bring such unconditional love to these kids that maybe have never had !!! They will never forget the love an stability an careing hm you provided!!!

[@Beckywiththegoodhair9]

You're a special man Peter. ❤️

[@soulfulgreatdanes1918]

You touched his life and showed him love❤️❤️❤️. You are an amazing man♥️

[@Lexi-l4x]

This is a perfect parent for every child we all love you peter❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤god bless 🙏

[@blz1007]

You are such a kind soul, Peter. Thank god for you 💜

[@guillenrva]

Omg I cannot imagen how the kids feel when they're removed from lovely home and family 😢 Prayers for you and Jay may God put him only with good families .

[@suelisilva2929]

I wish all the best, Jay! Um grande abraço para você do Brasil!!

[@angeleyes7531]

I understand it's been challenging, but your family's love and support for this young man have made a profound difference in his life, filling a void he previously experienced. He will always cherish your kindness and know he's welcome in your home. May God continue to bless you and your family, enabling you to positively impact the lives of many more children.

[@MichelleRJones-LifeStrategies]

You are special Peter! You parent these kids as if they are your own. You have to have a special heart to be a Foster Parent. I don't think there is such a thing as loving a child as if they are your own, and then having saying goodbye easier. Blessings to you! Blessings to Jay on his journey!

[@sherylashton3953]

Peter, you are such a beautiful man of God. For the time that these prescious children are with you, there is no doubt all the values and wisdom you imparted are deeply planted...Gods hand is and always will be on them. Your heart is so pure and kind and I don't doubt that Jay will never forget the footprints you placed on his heart. My heart aches with you.... May all that is good and blessed find you and be upon you all, always.

[@debihowell7545]

Aww Peter, thank you for accepting the inevitable pain being a foster parent brings. You are an angel and all the kids that pass through your life are lucky to have you, however briefly

[@lindareynolds1909]

Prayers for Jay! 💙

[@patriciaperry2028]

I’m so sorry Peter ! You are the best man! May God always bless you and protect you and those who you have fostered

[@Highlyfavoured7187]

You re a wonderful man Peter. GOD bless you more😘♥️💙

[@marcusatruthseeker9740]

You are such a blessing for the children AND US!

[@79klkw]

I have not seen enough of your videos. You are a wonderful person, and wow,a true blessing to every child you encounter. Thank you for being so special, and making our world a more loving place❤

[@conniemunroe7203]

Awwww Peter. My heart goes out to you. You are such a lovely,caring man and a wonderful father to all the children that come to stay with you. I’m sorry you’re all having to say goodbye to Jay. He will be ok and you’ve given him such a wonderful experience in your home. I’m glad he had the time he did with you and the children. God bless you all greatly and may He watch over Jay and guide him on his journey. Love to you all. Such a beautiful family you have. ❤️

[@mariannejennisch9293]

It was nice to get to know him just for the short time he was there.

[@1992DJP]

I am hoping that he gets to leave your home with the things that you gave him when he first arrived.. that way he will always have a piece of you and your family

[@barbarakosloski9260]

He is supposed to. When anything is bought for the child while in a foster home it is supposed to go with the child when they are moved. There is a form foster parent's sre supposed to complete for clothing: upon Arrival and Departure.

[@simplefittv7130]

For all we know Peter always sends the things for the kids that he fosters whenever they leave.

[@divahc1]

I've seen before that Peter does indeed pack up all their belongings: clothes, shoes, personal care items, books, toys and any gifts they've received. They leave with far more than they arrive with.

[@gember1382]

It shows how much you care Peter. You love them and we love you ❤

[@carlam.3254]

God, please bring Jay back to this family. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.

[@VkeyBiyinzika]

Cyber hugs to you and your family Mr. Mutabazi

[@loriej109]

Happy Birthday Jay!

[@vloggingwithnina273]

Awe! Hugs to you Peter. I can relate to the hurt you are feeling. I'm a bio mom and a foster/adopted aunt. The hurt of a foster child leaving is the same as the hurt of a bio parent losing their child. Blood doesn't make a relationship. It doesn't make a bond with a child. Only love can do that. In our family, we have a saying, "DNA doesn't make you family, Love does." The family I have is not my bio family but they certainly love me far more than my bio family ever has. Thank-you for being the kind of parent to these children I wish I would have had. You are changing these children's lives. I know because my "adopted" family's love has changed mine. God Bless you, Peter.

[@andreadrdrelewis]

Thank you for being such a good dad and father for the children.

[@erlindadionson5501]

Hi zay, good you and maddie are always with your family. Thats a good bonding with younger kids. Luke, isabella and bella and of course anthony.

[@kareningram2562]

Best wishes Jay! I hope life treats you well and you find(and I know you will) happiness. Peter and kids have given love and understanding and tho you are leaving will always be there for you! 😢Sad and scarey I know God has you and I pray and wish you well!

[@5rgyyuyrgg]

Happy Belated Birthday Jay!

[@maha333g5]

Happy Belated Birthday Jay!!! Praying your journey in life is filled with health, happiness and success!! Lots of love

[@Lisa-x8v8f]

Peter you are in their hearts as they are in your’s forever! You are amazing and are so loved for what you do…ups, downs and in between…🤗❤️🙏🙏🙏

[@brendaflynn4940]

May God keep you and your family in his loving care.

[@starlitguidance1]

I'm sorry, Peter. Please take care of yourself and your kids, give yourselves grace.

[@RoseQuartzGemini]

I am feeling this, please know my heart goes out to you, and to Jay, and all your children, you are doing so much good ❤️‍🩹🙏🏻

[@deanasnarky3903]

I saw that you answered one of my questions, I'm glad that while you have the kids you take them to church and teach them about God. I'm so sorry for your loss and your pain, I cried right along with you. It would be so hard to have a kid, And have to give them up. Did I hear you say that you've had 44 kids? You sir, are a strong man!

[@Hotmomma2]

Peter. Im Not 1/2 way through and I’m in tears for you. ❤

[@Advanced183]

God bless you and your family for all your sacrifices and for everything that you do for these children.

[@pennyc11]

Stay strong Jay. You are in control of your destiny. Find a career that you love. Learn its requirements and work toward a strong foundation. Do not give into peer pressure. Save your money to build your life foundation. I had to overcome so many obstacles in my childhood and beyond but working past them has given me a good life. Never forget Peter's love for you. Your made up family. I know he will always try to be that one person whose advice you can trust. Thank you Peter. For always trying to model for Foster Parents good parenting skills and your hard work to build up children who want to be and live good lifes.

[@desilvabebe1391]

Good luck Jay from London United Kingdom 🇬🇧

[@marimarxuach7180]

😢God bless you Peter. God bless Jay and all foster kids

[@dakotaproctor1220]

Zed your an amazing young man, I like the way you and Anthony take such care of your younger siblings in the house

[@susanbarrett1947]

This is so raw Peter, my heart ♥️ breaks for you, thank you for being the person that is so compassionate and caring; for providing a safe place. I’m praying for you all during this transition . Hopefully you can maintain some some sort of communication with J. There’s no doubt he will take with him the memories and kindness your family has shown to him. I wish him Godspeed in the future. Thank you for being so vulnerable❤️

[@agnessphiri5036]

Never seen u this emotional....he will be fine😢❤

[@JackieM414]

You are a great influence on your children Jay will always remember all you have done and the love of a real family I feel he will be back even it’s visiting. My heart is broken beautiful children so blessed to have you and a wonderful family. God bless you always

[@gerrih43]

Peter you are the sweetest guy. My heart hurts for you and the loss you feel. You are an amazing parent and a special human being. I pray for all of you during this transition period.

[@AloG7]

I pray all things go well for you Jay! You are a very sweet young man and deserve a beautiful life!😀

[@elizabethhiebert1859]

@NowIamknown. Desr Peter, I am so sorry for your pain of "saying Good-Bye for now, " to Jay. I am so sorry for all the turmoil & the pain of change for Jay. I am a retired h.s. science teacher & retired In-Home Mental Health Skill-Building providee. I do feel very bad for you & Jay & your kids. Jay knows that you have Jay in your heart always. Jay knows that you are always a safe loving soul to give & receive advice & love. From my experiences, I know that you have made a big impact on. Jay. You made him feel loved, supported, valued, & comfortable. You gave him a solid loving, fun, positive, empathic very strong, indomutably spirited role model with HUGE integrity. You positively changed his life Forever!! I know this from experience. I am crying with you now. I used to get very attached to my students, especially the ones who were having tough times, or uncertain times ahead. Big Hugs!! Much love to you, Jay, Anthony, Zay, Isabella, Luke, Bella., and Zay's girlfriend (Madison?). Oh and love & scritches to the puppers. Best to all!! 😊😊❤😊😊

[@divahc1]

I think she goes by Maddy/ie?😊

[@elizabethhiebert1859]

@divahc1 Thank you very much!!

[@Bizzlle]

You are a true gentleman. God bless you sir.

[@ChrissieSM]

Isabella kissed her little sister, so sweet!

[@teresacintron4778]

God Bless you Peter 🙏🏽🥰🥰🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@heavenlycontentedsoaps6453]

I’m 62 and I remember my music teacher Mr. Balos and Mrs. Balos too. Mr. Balos was the most memorable person in school to me. He introduced special moments of the music and how it can penetrate the soul. Ex. Reminiscing song❤

[@agnessphiri5036]

You are such a wonderful soul much luv from Zambia ❤

[@jeannetteashlin1725]

Thank you for showing Jay love while he was in your care. I hope he finishes high school and goes onto college. Maybe he will contact you when he turns 18.

[@annwheeler1658]

God Bless U Peter🙏❤️

[@lisaavery7353]

I pray that as you grieve him, leaving that you have peace in your heart about the amazing positive influence you have had for these past months. ❤ I am praying for him as he transitions to the next living situation.

[@cherylmillard2067]

You make me smile! Yes, it's sad, but remember Peter is sending these young people out in the world with some very amazing life skills, we must also remember to celebrate success.

[@jillg9108]

If I am reading between the lines, Jay was very established in sports in his old school and may want that support system back. If he is a more private person, the public face of your family might not have been a good fit. He seems like a great young man, and I wish him well.

[@Bluet43]

I agree . Well said 👏🏽

[@susanbarrett1947]

This is so raw Peter, my heart ♥️ breaks for you, thank you for being the person that is so compassionate and caring; for providing a safe place. I’m praying for you all during this transition . Hopefully you can maintain some some sort of communication with J. There’s no doubt he will take with him the memories and kindness your family has shown to him. I wish him Godspeed in the future.

[@rosewilliamson2153]

Our heart goes for you both but we believe he will do well you have give him good tools to survive as a son.

[@terearchi7385]

Awww! I felt for the moment your pain.

[@sevenstar-ol3tt]

Your a Blessing 😇😇😇 sending you 🙏& ❤️....

[@mernahing9787]

All the goodbyes you have shown us, this seems to be the hardest on you Peter.

[@philomenadennehy8585]

Best wishes from Uk All the best to jay