Couple have fostered 168 children in almost half a century

OMAHA, Neb. (WPVI) -- To call Sandy and Bud Wilwerding parents is a bit of an understatement.

That's because over the past half a century or so, they have fostered 168 children.

But after 46 years of raising children in their home, they are about to be empty-nesters.

That's because the last two boys currently living with them are going back to their parents. Sandy said there will be tears.

The couple has four children of their own, but always made room.

"You sat in the rocker at night and rocked them even if they were crying and crying and all I could think of was - but I am holding you tonight - would anyone be holding you if you went home? You tell yourself - this is where you need to be right now," said Sandy.

So now, with an empty house and full hearts, they plan to spend their spare time with their 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, and remember how it all started when they heard an ad on the radio.

46 years ago, one became 168.