Twenty-five children were adopted just in time for Christmas during two special adoption events in two different Florida counties this month.
According to ABC News, Judge Stacy Youmans made the Ocala Courthouse festive by inviting Santa and Mrs. Clause to play a role in the adoptions of 18 children into 13 families on December 13. They handed out the children’s adoption certificates in a special Christmas moment. Each family was also given an ornament engraved with their names before the day was completed with a party including gifts, cookies, and photos with Santa. Also at the event were extended family members, prior foster parents, and supporters from within the community.
Sherry Suarez adopted two siblings — whose brother she had previously adopted — and encouraged others who are considering adoption not to second guess themselves. “Do it,” she said. “It’s a blessing.”
The Marshall family also adopted two siblings, ages 10 and eight. In all, Dale Marshall and his wife have adopted 10 children.
Colleen Parker was at the event to help celebrate as her son and daughter-in-law adopted two-year-old Kaylee. She told the Ocala Gazette that it was two years ago when they received a call at night about 2-month-old baby Kaylee who needed an emergency placement. Now she is officially their child and they are also in the process of adopting her younger biological brother Matthew.
READ: Mom of Heisman Trophy winner: ‘What they called my mistake was my biggest blessing’
Judge Youmans asked the parents to promise under oath that they would care for their children forever, to which the parents agreed. The judge then asked the children, “Do you promise to listen to your parents?” and “Do you promise to love and respect your parents?” The children shouted “Yes.”
Meanwhile, in Leon County, Florida, Circuit Judge Barbara Hobbs finalized the adoptions of seven children last week. During the “Home for the Holidays” event, Kierra Britt adopted two young children who are her biological cousins.
“They are well-loved, my whole family loves them and accepted them. That’s all they know is our family,” she said. “The best Christmas gift that I could ever receive and that they could receive, so we will celebrate.”
Brittney Williams adopted a five-year-old girl she began fostering last year. “She came and I knew she was supposed to stay there,” said Williams. “She has been there and grown and she has become quite a stable and smart and intelligent fun create little young lady. … I can’t even remember what it was like without her, it was just meant to be.”
Tell President Trump, RFK, Jr., Elon, and Vivek:
Stop killing America’s future. Defund Planned Parenthood NOW!
