LANSING, Mich. -- National Adoption Day is celebrated Nov. 22, and in Michigan adoptions were finalized for more than 90 children.
Justices from several counties took the bench Tuesday at the Michigan Supreme Court to finalize seven adoptions including two families from Kent County. Just as the first two adoptions were made official, Kent County Family Division Judge Kathleen Feeney called the family behind the bench, taking 10-month-old Connor Gordon onto her lap.
“You got it?" Judge Feeney said to Connor, handing him the gavel. Connor, with the help of his adoptive father, struck the gavel to solidify his adoption as the courtroom cheered.
Charity Gordon and her husband Jason were the first couple to have an adoption finalized during this ceremony, becoming the forever family for Connor and his two-year-old brother Caden.
“Every kid deserves a good home, period," said Charity Gordon.
After three years of fostering seven children, the Gordons are now adoptive parents. Charity told FOX 17, "It’s almost like relief, like I still can’t believe it’s actually happened. I feel like we’ve been waiting for this for so long and finally I can take that big breath and relax.”
Chief Judge Robert Young of the Michigan Supreme Court opened Tuesday's special session in the Hall of Justice as part of National Adoption Day with this statement: “There are more smiles here in the courtroom and across the state than we see all year, I guarantee you.”
For others considering adoption, or becoming licensed to provide foster care for a child, the Gordons say during the process it's important to be patient, show love and understanding that you are helping others become better parents too.
"It’s not only helping the kiddos, but we’re also helping the parent which is part of the job of being a foster parent; you have to look at the whole picture, not just the kiddos," said Charity Gordon. "You have to remember the biological parents first, too.”
As Caden ran around his family, hand-in-hand with two Mickey and Minnie Mouse balloons, the Gordons say they treasure this moment as they move forward with their family.
“We’re actually in the process of building a house right now so we’re waiting for that to get done: a new family, new house, kind of a lot of change going on," said Jason Gordon with a smile. "And then maybe number three, we’ll see what comes our way," said Charity.
As FOX 17 continues its Forever Home series, you can always call Orchards Children's Servicesto speak with an adoption specialist about adopting a child through foster care: 1 (855) 694-7301.
