The Big Day in a Foster Child's Life

This year for the adoption on National Adoption Day, our area decided to allow each family to have an individual adoption time in the courtroom instead of the mass or group adoption thing. I was not crazy about the idea of the mass adoption so I was quite happy for our own personal time which makes it special.

My sister, dad, my caseworker (which has become a friend) joined my husband, myself and our children in the court room. It was very relaxed and the judge was amazing. The judge included my three children in the process asking each of them questions, teasing them and allowing them to be a big part of the adoption of their baby sister. My sister and dad were also included in the process. The clerk took tons of pictures for us while getting the children to smile most of the time.

I was worried how my four year old daughter with sensory integration disorder was going to handle everything because you just never know with her. During the long car ride, we explained that we would be going to see a judge to adopt their baby sister and tried to explain what to expect. Fifteen minutes or so later she asked, “Do you have to tell the judge the truth?” I said, “Yes, why?” She says, “Will the judge send someone to jail if they lie to him?” I respond, “Yes, he can if he needs to, but today will be different. Why?” She says, “Sister can be disgusting sometimes, she spits on people and eats out of the trash. I don’t want to talk to him.” Then I explained that at times she may be angry or even think her sister and brother are disgusting but that does do mean she does not love them. At times you can also be disgusting when you lick everything and play with food instead of eating it but that does not mean we do not love you. This little conversation had me wondering what she would do.

We made it through the adoption with only a few tears from me and our attorney. My dad did ask to speak and shared that I was I also adopted and how touched he was with being involved in this great occasion. Things were going great until we were taking pictures with the judge behind his bench. He was trying to talk with my four year old and she was acting fruity. He asked, “Why don’t you want to talk with me?” She responds, “I don’t want to talk with you because you can be mean.” He took it in stride and got her to laugh and smile at him. Then they were told they could pick out any book and stuffed animal to take home. The experience was a great celebration for everyone in the family.

Chick Fila supplied chicken snacks for everyone, there were plenty of desserts, ice cream, fruit and anything else you can imagine. It was a beautiful event while celebrating foster children finding their forever adoptive homes. I feel blessed to be part of a special day like this.

More reading:

National Adoption Month Celebrating With a Giveaway

National Adoption Month - Foster Care Adoption

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