We walked into the court room and my heart skipped a beat or two as my parents took their place at the front table. As everyone took their seat my mother and I glanced at each other, both with tears in our eyes. The judge hadn’t even begun and we were already in tears. Great. He called the court into order and asked my parents about their intentions. A social worker stood up and gave her report as 26 people watched. 26 people that came to support my parents in this new adventure that they were about to embark on. For two and a half years they have had 3 children living with them as foster kids and last November it was decided that the rights of the biological parents would be terminated with the intention of my parents adopting them. Two and a half years of waiting, hoping, and praying that these kids would become a part of our family forever. And today? Well, it was finally about to happen. The judge read the order, asked if anyone had any disputes, signed the papers and hit that gavel hard. The sound of the gavel echoed through the room just moments before everyone burst either into tears or smiles. But regardless of the reaction, the emotion was the same for everyone – joy. Pure joy. These kids were finally part of a family and finally had a stable home to call their own. And me? Well I can now proudly say that I am the eldest of SEVEN. And my parents can say that they have children ages 4-27!

Introducing (officially) my newest siblings: Bionca Grace Candelora, Bruce Matthew Candelora, and Brandon David Candelora. 🙂 I seriously couldn’t love these kids any more than I do already and I am so excited to watch them grow into fine adults.