Monday, October 21, 2013

JEAN AND DAVID ADOPT EDWARD AND KATIE

Well, we were back to adoption court again to adopt not only Edward, but Katie.  Katie's great-grandparents encouraged the court for us to adopt her now rather than wait a full year.  All Katie's great-grandfather asked was that he and his wife be allowed to visit her.  The court was going to make certain times when they could come, but David and I stopped them.  We asked that they call first and if we are home, they can come and visit Katie.  We don't need any certain time.  She is their great-granddaughter and they have a right to come and visit her when they can.  Although we are now legally her parents, they are still her family.  So that settled that.  The judge was surprised that we would feel that they could have the freedom to come and visit her, but he approved that.

Edward and Michael were thrilled they were now legal brothers.  They hugged each other.  As Edward is black and Michael is white, they say they are "coffee and cream" brothers.  Michael kept asking David and I, if they were really brothers in the State of New York and we kept saying yes.  I guess they felt better when the judge said yes.

Susan was jumping up and down when we told her that Katie was really her sister now.  She hugged Katie so hard, we had to break them up as we thought Susan was going to knock the breath out of Katie.  Then they hugged again.  I don't think Katie really knew what it ment.  David, I and her Great-grandparents tried to explain, but I am not sure she fully understands it.  Her great-grandparents wanted pictures of all of us.  It is again our ways not to have our picture taken.  They really wanted that picture.  Bishop Joseph was there and stated as the children had not been baptized, they could, in this case, have their picture taken.  So we adults had our backs turned and the children stood facing the camera when the picture was taken.  The judge stood along with us in the picture - he faced the camera.  Bishop Joseph told the great-grandparents that he would allow this because of Katie and their wanting it. He kindly explained that this would be the last picture.  Bishop Joseph asked for a second copy that could be put in with the pictures that we have of Katie's parents.  Of course, Bishop Joseph saw that Katie's great-grandparents were in the picture, too.

After we left the court house, we went where Katie likes to go for lunch, Mac Donald's.  We all ate our lunch there.  For dinner that evening, we had Edward's favorite dinner: pork ribs, greens, salt potatoes, and pineapple up side down cake topped with whip cream.  At dinner we had Bishop Joseph, Martha, and family, along with Katie's great-grandparents.  David also made, for Edward  and Katie a plaque on the wall with a medal copy of the adoption papers and what looks like our signatures underneath.  He made them so the children know they are our family, not only because the state says so.

During our prayers, that evening, we thanked the Lord for uniting us all in one as a family. The State papers are nice, but knowing that we are also a family in the eyes of Christ is most important.  Lord knew just who were the perfect young folks to cross our door and become our family. Both Michael and Edward told what they felt when they first came into our home.  Neither of them thought, that some day they would be a member of our family.

Edward wanted to go see his Grandmother's grave the next day, so we rented a driver and all went to Rochester to see where she is laid to rest.  We then went to where Katie's parents were laid to rest,  but I don't think she really understood.

After that we went to the Rochester Museum of Arts and Sciences so we could have a tour and explore it.  When we left there, we had lunch at a restaurant.  After lunch, we went to take a tour of the George Eastman House, the man who founded Eastman Kodak Company.  As the little children were getting tired, we headed home picking up dinner at KFC on the way.

The next day, Michael, Edward and Susan were back in school.  Katie was home with me, learning her house duties and chores.  We are very happy now to be a family of seven.  Susan still thinks we should get another girl to even up the family.

Be With God,
Jean

NEXT MONDAY, ELMER ANSWERS YOUR DWARF QUESTIONS.

14 comments:

annie said...

You know, so many times these days all you hear are the bad things, the media plays up the worst in so many things. It is so good to read something so good, wholesome and uplifting. It is such a wonderful thing to know there are children that are being blessed and given good care, and learning the love of God through a family unit, in the home. I am blessed just by reading this account, it is so good to hear. God bless your family, and thank you so much for sharing your story, and for the blog being written. I know there are many good blogs on the web, but I have come to see this one as one of the best because of the genuine heart it shares. Bless you all! I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Vickie said...

I think our friend Annie said it all perfectly up there!!
I am so very happy for you all, Jean! God has richly blessed your family.♥

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Annie and Vickie,
Thank you so much for your comments this morning, I will see that Jean gets them. I, too, am glad the children are now Jean and David's children. They couldn't have gotten a better home.

Marilyn

Lily said...

I am so happy for all of you.

Countryside Reflections said...

Annie really said it perfectly! I felt so good reading this and I'm so happy for Jean and her complete family.

Doreen

Christine T said...

I am glad it all worked out. Congrats and God Bless.

New York State Of Mind said...

Thank you, everyone, I know they will be glad to receive your comments.

Marilyn

Wilma said...

Good morning, Marilyn. This was such an interesting post and I am so happy that Edward and Katie are legally adopted. We adopted one of our sons when he was 10, so I understand many of the feelings that Jean shared. Our son is now 40, married and the father of three. Our son knew where his mother was but had no desire to see her. Through the years, there has been some contact with his biological family members. That was always his choice and he attended his mother's funeral. He came from a very abusive situation, so the desire to see his biological family was little.

I do have one question. How old is Katie and what is her story? I must have missed that somewhere along the line.

Thank you from me also for your blog. I always enjoy every post. Have a good week.

Wilma

SueAnn said...

Oh Jean! God is wonderful! rejoice and be glad! All that went before...is nothing now..because of this great joy! Hope, and love! Perfect! You can handle anything now...!!! Blessings and love.

New York State Of Mind said...

Hello Wilma,

Thank you so much for your comment, I know Jean will appreciate it.

Katie is four years old. Jean and David got her when her parents were killed in an automobile accident. Katie was in the back seat of the car in a child's seat which saved her. She was injured and was in the hospital. At her release time another Old Order Mennonite named Sarah was called to take her, but Sarah saw her and knew that Jean and David would want her - she looks just like their family - so she called them. Katie does look like Jean and David's family with the blue eyes and light brown hair. Katie's great-grandparents are alive, but can't take care of her due to age and health problems, so they had her put up for adoption. Katie is now a member of David and Jean's family.

Marilyn

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Sue Ann,
Thank you so much, I will see that Jean gets your comment. When Jean got sick, had her operation and couldn't give birth anymore - she thought that was the last of the children she would have. Jean and I were talking about that last night. Was she ever wrong !!!

Marilyn

Anonymous said...

Thank You, Lord, for allowing Edward+Katie to become the newest son+daughter in David+Jean's family! What a wonderful blessing for all! I stand with Susan-God may very well send you another girl to "even things up" ;). It is such a witness to see the love of Christ extended through David+Jean in their love for these children and the open hospitality they are showing to Katie's great-grandparents. May Our Lord bless+keep them all in the very palm of His hand as He continues to lead them to Himself. In Christ, Carol

New York State Of Mind said...

Thank you Carol,
I will see that Jean and David get your comments. They will appreciate them.

Marilyn

Nancy said...

I'm so happy for you and your family. You have been truly blessed.