The gift of family: Monroe County celebrates Adoption Day

On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, Monroe County foster parents and families gathered before Monroe County Probate Judges Cheryl E. Lohmeyer and Frank L. Arnold to celebrate Adoption Day and give thanks for the gift of family.

Across the state, Michigan courts were also were finalizing adoptions, holding special events for adoptive families, and providing educational materials for those wanting to learn more about the adoption process.

The eighth annual event for Monroe County was an example that adoption spans all ages. For example, hearings were held that involved the young -- six-month-old Asher James Jacobs -- and adult: Cynthia Skaggs, 39, Samantha Cousino, 43, and Angela Sammons, 44.

Held in the Monroe County Board of Commissioners' Chambers on the first floor of the Monroe County Courthouse, 106 E. First St., Executive Director of Child Advocacy Network Nicki Eyler served as the guest speaker.

At 11 a.m., the Honorable Frank L. Arnold welcomed those in attendance and spoke of the importance of adoption and the uniqueness of this year’s confirmations involving three adults.

“You’re going to find out adoption doesn’t necessarily involve kids and little babies. It involves adults and we’ll see that in a very special case here,” Arnold said. "Today’s event, from my perspective, is not about statistics and foster care numbers and details … It’s really about celebration. It’s celebrating family … It’s an event about love.”

Judge Cheryl E. Lohmeyer spoke next about the importance of raising awareness about adoption and inspiring the community to get involved.

“We decided to start this because there are thousands and thousands of children waiting to be adopted by someone and really need a forever family. This was our way of getting the word out,” Judge Lohmeyer said. “Having foster parents come here and show the joy that adoption can bring to a family, we think is so inspiring and can inspire others to do the same.”

Judge Lohmeyer presided over the adoption of Asher James Jacobs to his parents, Nicholas and Julie Jacobs. The Jacobs's have been foster parents for three years and are currently fostering a little girl. After Asher’s adoption, his parents shared their thoughts with the audience.

“Throughout our marriage and throughout this process, from day one, we have felt called to grow our family … Our entire careers have been supporting the mental, spiritual and emotional growth of young people,” Nicholas Jacobs said.

Julie Jacobs said when the news arrived that there was a baby surrender available for adoption, they were given an hour to decide.

“It probably took us five minutes to decide that this is what we wanted. This is what God led us to do,” she said. “So, here we are on National Adoption Day.”

Arnold then presided over the adoption of Cynthia Skaggs, Samantha Cousino and Angela Sammons to Donald and Donna Sammons.

Over the years, the couple has opened their home to foster children and grandchildren.

The women had been raised by their grandparents, but guardianship has never been recognized by the state. The morning’s hearings confirmed them as a family unit, making Donald and Donna Sammons their mother and father by law. One of the most common reasons for adult adoption is for inheritance purposes.

In letters, the sisters shared their purpose for wanting to be adopted and expressed their gratitude to the couple who cared enough to raise them.

Skaggs wrote about living in limbo and that the adoption made her feel like life was now complete and Sammons’ letter spoke of her gratitude for her grandparents.

“They gave us a loving home,” Cousino wrote in her letter. “Where I felt safe.”

It's estimated approximately 10,000 children in Michigan live away from their parents in foster care, and every year, an estimated 2,100 Michigan children in foster care are legally ready to be adopted.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Monroe County foster parents, families celebrate Adoption Day