Couple Celebrates “O Fish Al” Adoption of Young Boy
Crystal and Paul became foster parents with KVC Nebraska and provided foster care to several children who were ultimately safely reunited with their biological family. Their hope was to be involved in the adoption process someday, so they were ecstatic when they were asked to care for 2-year-old Demare. It was not safe for Demare to go home and his parent’s rights had been terminated, so they hoped to adopt him. At the last minute, Demare’s aunt made the brave decision to care for him. For Crystal and Paul, this was a surprising turn. The couple were heartbroken but also understood the value of children being with kin whenever possible. They wanted what was best for Demare.
They continued to foster other children when, 8 months later, they received a phone call. The situation with Demare’s aunt had fallen through and they were needed to again provide foster care. When Demare arrived in their home for the second time, “it was as if time had stopped,” Paul said. “He was a little timid, but he remembered our dog, cat and certain toys he had played with.”
Again they began the journey to adopt him. The adoption coincided with National Adoption Month in November. They finalized his adoption in court on National Adoption Day – November 22, 2014 – and changed his name to DeMar. Crystal and Paul held a big family party with a fish theme due to DeMar’s adoption being “O Fish Al” (official) with PB&J starfish sandwiches and sushi rolls made from rice crispy treats and fruit roll-ups.
“It was a day that we will never forget,” said Paul. DeMar became their forever child and they are now a family forever!
How You Can Help
If you would like to make a difference in the life of a child who has experienced abuse, neglect or other family challenges, learn more about becoming a foster or adoptive parent.
*This winning story was received during our 2015 summer story contest by Paul, licensed foster/adoptive parent with KVC Nebraska