Today families across northern Michigan officially have children that they can call their own after dozens of adoptions are finalized in the courtroom.
TRAVERSE CITY -- Tuesday families across northern Michigan officially have children that they can call their own after dozens of adoptions are finalized in the courtroom.
It was the day 20 different children have been waiting for and one by one with the swing of a gavel each child became a part of a new family that they now can call their very own. "It's like.......a miracle," said Destiny Kennedy who was adopted into a new home today.
Destiny and her three brothers are the newest addition to the Kennedy family. It's the families 15th adoption. "We did this to keep the kids together and we just fell in love with them couldn't picture life without them," said father John Kennedy.
And for the Burley family they're on this is their fifth adopted addition. "They're going to be my mom and dad forever," said newly adopted daughter Claudia Burley.
Both Claudia and brother Aiden were adopted in to the group. That now makes 12 children for the Burley parents and they say those children may not be their last.
"We really believe in what adoption can do for kids so we're glad we can keep having more and more," said Mother of 12 Dana Burley.
These families were only a few of the several others making their adoption official in the Grand Traverse County courtroom. It's all a part of Adoption Day. It's a day organizers say is dedicated educate the community on the adoption process and raise awareness about foster children that still need permanent homes.
"There's 1,300 at least looking for homes so we hope with the celebration and the joy they bring that others will know about this and maybe something they could share," said Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Weaver.
And for the Hubbard family they are now officially first time parents. "We were nervous and excited up late last night talking about it, it's been a long time coming glad it's here," said new parent Ryan Hubbard.
Two-year-old Presley Hubbard is fighting some tough challenges, "She has cerebral palsy, she has tubes and obviously glasses," said new parent Marie Hubbard. These families made legal what was already official in their hearts.
