Joshua is staying forever

Today we went to court for the termination hearing on Joshua's parents. The Judge was there, all the attorney's (5 of them) were there, all the Foster families were there, but all the parents were missing in action. Mom chose not to show up and relinquish as she stated she would last week, so instead the court held a short trial, went through all the evidence, (and there was plenty), and terminated her rights to all three children.

They also terminated on Spencer's father, and will terminate on Chrissy's tomorrow, as he is in jail and needs to be transported to court. Paternity was never established on Joshua, even though we all know who dad is, so they just said he is a done deal.

It was so weird to be sitting there in court for a TPR hearing and have no parents show up. I was so sad and dissapointed. All the foster moms were crying, tears of joy and tears of sadness. We were overjoyed that we get to keep these beautiful children, and sad for the things that have been done to them, and for the loss of their birthparents.



As the Judge was saying that final sentence "This court finds that it is in the best interest of the children to remain and be adopted by their foster families" I was suddenly hit with the whole eternal nature of this day, and how many things have been forever changed. I was sobbing as I realized that these parents have lost not only their children, but also their grandchildren, and so on, forever.

This adoption has been by far our most emotional and most difficult. There have been alot of emotions, and ups and downs as we have navigated the foster care system, dealt with social workers, homestudies, supervised visits, court dates, and birthparents, all while trying to bond with a two year old. But all you have to do is look into those big blue eyes to know that it was all worth it.



Welcome to the family Joshua! We are crazy in love with you, and we are so happy that you are staying forever.

Good Grief he is adorable!