Occasionally, we are fortunate enough to witness a joyous life event that leaves us speechless. The birth of a baby, a reunion, perhaps a wedding…you know, the really momentous stuff. Earlier this month, I experienced one that just rocked me to the core; the final adoption hearing of my little niece, Ella.
Ella’s story is sadly not that unusual; an unplanned pregnancy and two apathetic parents. Abandoned at birth, she was placed into the protective custody of the county child welfare agency. All she needed was someone to love her, and that is where her story turns to happy. My sister and her husband scooped her up and fostered her until last week, when she became their legally adopted child.
Even though I have worked in a court system for close to 20 years, I had no idea what to expect from this proceeding. Children and courtrooms just don’t seem to me to mix very well. So, imagine my surprise I entered the courtroom and saw the juvenile court judge’s bench overflowing with stuffed animals, and large photos of smiling children adorning the walls. As we found our seats, the judge welcomed us with a warm, comforting voice. My sister, her husband, their 6 year old daughter, and each one of our family members, were introduced to the court by Ella’s attorney. The judge spoke to the new family of four, asked questions, and listened intently. He thanked them for opening their hearts and home to Ella, and wished them the very best. As we scrambled for our cameras, the judge grabbed a giant squishy pink gavel, bonked it on the bench a few times, and pronounced Ella to be legally a forever member of our family. Then, in the most uncourtoom-like behavior I have ever witnessed, the audience erupted in hoots, hollers, clapping, and tears.
In the long months that my sister has been on this journey, the staggering reality of abused, neglected, and unwanted children in this country has become clear to me. And, it’s not pretty. Approximately 850 abandoned, neglected, or abused children enter the foster care system in the United States every day. Just a few years ago, there were almost 80,000 children in the foster care system in California alone – those numbers are inevitably higher now in these tough economic times. Of these children, 31% are under the age of 5 years. With so few safe and loving foster homes available to these kids, the average foster child will live in 3 foster homes before he ever has her first birthday.
Ella’s story is sadly not that unusual; an unplanned pregnancy and two apathetic parents. Abandoned at birth, she was placed into the protective custody of the county child welfare agency. All she needed was someone to love her, and that is where her story turns to happy. My sister and her husband scooped her up and fostered her until last week, when she became their legally adopted child.
Even though I have worked in a court system for close to 20 years, I had no idea what to expect from this proceeding. Children and courtrooms just don’t seem to me to mix very well. So, imagine my surprise I entered the courtroom and saw the juvenile court judge’s bench overflowing with stuffed animals, and large photos of smiling children adorning the walls. As we found our seats, the judge welcomed us with a warm, comforting voice. My sister, her husband, their 6 year old daughter, and each one of our family members, were introduced to the court by Ella’s attorney. The judge spoke to the new family of four, asked questions, and listened intently. He thanked them for opening their hearts and home to Ella, and wished them the very best. As we scrambled for our cameras, the judge grabbed a giant squishy pink gavel, bonked it on the bench a few times, and pronounced Ella to be legally a forever member of our family. Then, in the most uncourtoom-like behavior I have ever witnessed, the audience erupted in hoots, hollers, clapping, and tears.
In the long months that my sister has been on this journey, the staggering reality of abused, neglected, and unwanted children in this country has become clear to me. And, it’s not pretty. Approximately 850 abandoned, neglected, or abused children enter the foster care system in the United States every day. Just a few years ago, there were almost 80,000 children in the foster care system in California alone – those numbers are inevitably higher now in these tough economic times. Of these children, 31% are under the age of 5 years. With so few safe and loving foster homes available to these kids, the average foster child will live in 3 foster homes before he ever has her first birthday.
My sister is now employed with the amazing foster agency, Angels Foster Care, that brought Ella into their lives. She is committed to bringing the plight of these children to the fore, and helping to improve their chances in life by promoting the foster care system.
Now, it goes without saying that, on this momentous day when I became an auntie to another beautiful baby girl, I was overwhelmed with joy for baby Ella. But, I was also bursting with pride for my sister and her husband. This most selfless, generous act of human kindness has forever changed them, and me. They have given this little Ella the most precious gift in life – a loving family. Maybe their experience will inspire others to open their hearts and homes….we’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime, I’m adding this day to my list of Top 10 Life Events.
Mazel Tov! Being an Auntie is one of the best joys in life.
ReplyDeleteOh My Goodness! Your Sister is truly an Angel from above.
ReplyDeleteI think that Ella is so Blessed to have a family that wanted her & loves her so.
I pray for all the families particullarly the children that have such difficult lives. To be Blessed to find organizations like Angels Foster Care.
Enjoy your little Ella.
Teach her about the Magic of the Silver Safari's. Tell her wonderful stories so she will grow up remembering her Aunt Meridith & the Magic Silver Trailers. Maybe she will learn to love them as much and become a Silver Safari fan one day!