Laughter, happy tears, and applause filled a Collier County courtroom today as eight children, ranging from 2 to 16 years old, were officially adopted into seven loving families, thanks to the help of the Children's Network of Southwest Florida.
The hearings marked the end of a long journey for these children, many who spent years in foster care.
Among those adopted was 16-year-old Maliyah Lopez, who says she's happy the lengthy process to get adopted is over.
“I was happy,” Maliyah said. “I was going to cry, but I had to hold it in. It’s been really long, but I’m just really happy that it’s over.”
Maliyah’s brother Jayden felt the same, saying, “I’m glad that it’s all finally over now.” Their grandmother, Marilyn Lopez-Valentin, who adopted both siblings, said she's ready to take on her new roles.
“Well, grandma and mom/dad,” she said. “Now I can give some good rules!”
One of the youngest children adopted was 2-year-old Cielo. His adoption was unique: his new father, Irvin, is also his biological brother.
“First of all, it’s important because he is my blood. He is my brother, and I want him to be a part of our family,” Irvin told the judge in Spanish.
Irvin’s wife, Daisy Villa-Gomez, said her family is now complete. “Well, now I get my boy and my girl. It’s the perfect pair.”
Another special moment came for young Michael Leber, who was all smiles in the courtroom next to his dad, Cheney, and little brother, Jacob.
Cheney said this was a long time coming. He's been raising Michael since he was a baby.
“I adopted my own son,” he said.
On Saturday, the celebration continues in Lee County, where 19 more children will join their new families.
And while National Adoption Month celebrates moments like this, 243 children in Collier County are still waiting for their forever homes.
But today, for these lucky eight, that wait is finally over.