Tears shed as Valley children in foster care welcomed to new families

1 week ago 23

EDINBURG — Two-year-old Zoe ran about the hall here inside the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court chambers with a mischievous smile as she tried going up the stairs.

She looked back at her mom, Nicole Stough, giggling up the steps knowing she wasn’t supposed to go upstairs.

Nicole carried her off the stairs with a chuckle as she placed Zoe back down.

The 47-year-old arrived with her husband, Jason Stough, 49, and three children, one of which Zoe, who would be officially joining their family Friday morning at the county’s adoption ceremony, which was held in conjunction with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

The emotional event was fittingly planned in observance of National Adoption Day.

During the ceremony, Associate Judge Carlos Villalon Jr. for the Child Protection Court of the Rio Grande Valley, presided over the formal adoption for seven different families who have been fostering children.

Nicole and her husband traveled from Killeen, Texas to officially adopt Zoe, their granddaughter who they have been caring for since she was 6 weeks old.

“It has been a journey for us for sure,” Nicole said, adding that Zoe struggled with various disabilities up until a couple months ago. “She didn’t crawl, wasn’t walking, wasn’t talking anything up until probably about four months ago when all of sudden it was just spilling out of her.”

Although Nicole and her husband have two children from previous marriages, they’ve long-wanted a child of their own.

“We had always wanted to have kids together; we had always wanted to have a girl,” Nicole said as she smiled at Zoe, who was holding a stuffed animal during the tender moment. “When this happened I felt like it was just coming from above.”

The couple were among the seven families gathered at the chamber with tears in their eyes as the adoptions became official.

Each table in the room was adorned with Lilo and Stitch decorations and colorful lays placed on each chair.

Some families brought photos and posters in excitement to mark the official day their families gained a new member.

In honor of this day, Foster Angels of South Texas, a nonprofit organization that helps provide basic needs as well as life-enhancing experiences for children placed in foster care, helped make the day extra special for each child adopted.

Lucy Ann Wolthoff, the Rio Grande Valley director for Foster Angels of South Texas, and her team prepared baskets of goodies filled with items such as games, toys and even tablets.

“We’re just here to support and experience this wonderful day with kids that get their forever families,” Wolthoff said enthusiastically.

After each adoption was made official a member of their team, who was dressed in a Stitch onesie, handed each child their basket.

“This is my favorite day, you know these kids have been through a lot … but today they actually get to have their forever family,” Wolthoff said, adding that she already had tissues in hand.

Elizabeth Ruiz stood side-by-side with her husband, Robert Ruiz, 46, with excitement on their faces as they looked down at 3-year-old Matthew, who also would be officially joining a family that day. Their family.

Although Matthew had been living with Elizabeth, 40, and her family since he was about 3 weeks old, Friday was the day he officially became a Ruiz.

“He’s lived in our home since the day he left the hospital. We see him as our child, we love him so much and we can’t imagine life without him anymore,” Elizabeth said with a smile on her face.

With tears in her eyes and a trembling voice, Elizabeth said this day was “everything,” adding that they never imagined they would be able to keep him forever.

She explained that the first few months were “really intense” due to Matthew having various health complications, but now three years later he has outgrown those issues.

“Now that we’re here we’re so excited to see the rest of his life,” Elizabeth, who wore a necklace that read “Mama,” said as she cried and looked over at Matthew, who was playing with a Mr. Potato Head toy.

Robert shared similar sentiments, adding that it’s nice to see how Matthew has grown over the years.

“His little personality is really starting to shine through,” Robert said.

The couple sat in the room with the support of their family who carried posters saying, “Best Day Ever” and “Adoption Day 11/22/2024.”

“It’s kind of cool to see family members here to come celebrate him officially becoming part of our family,” Robert said. “Our village.”

Darlinda Salinas attended the ceremony with her wife, Sonia Salinas, 55, to officially adopt 4-year-old Anna Elisa and 2-year-old Santos Eli.

Anna Elisa sat at the table chatting with everyone around her while her brother looked around the room.

The McAllen resident explained that they had been fostering the siblings for about two-and-a-half years.

“We started out fostering, it was just going to be a foster case and the minute they took them away from us someone was going to adopt them, my heart broke and I said, ‘No, those are my children,’” Darlinda said. “I fell in love with them and we decided to adopt.”

Darlinda smiled as she looked back at the table where they had a frame displaying a photo collage of Anna Elisa and Santos Eli.

“I really didn’t think it (Adoption Day) was going to get here and here it is already, real quick. So we’re super excited,” Darlinda said.

Darlinda explained that although she’s already a grandmother and great grandmother, she and her wife are excited to embark on this journey with their kids.

“We feel very blessed,” Darlinda said.

Their personalities are already taking shape, Darlinda joked, adding that Anna Elisa is all about parties and princesses.

The post Tears shed as Valley children in foster care welcomed to new families appeared first on MyRGV.com.

Read Entire Article