Five families welcome permanent additions to homes
Smiles and hugs were in abundance Monday morning in Fayette County Court when five families officially welcomed permanent additions to their homes. In honor of National Adoption Month, five children ranging in age from 1 to 13 legally became members of the families that had been part of for some time.
President Judge William Franks presided over the adoption hearings. Children and parents were dressed for the occasion and eagerly waited their turn in front of the judge in the jury room where cake and refreshments were on hand. A festive atmosphere hung in the air as the children and adults munched on snacks in anticipation of their turn before the court.
Although it was their fourth adoption, Peggy and Albert Klamers of East Millsboro experienced a first on Monday when they welcomed a boy to their family. The little boy, who is nearly 13 months old, is joined at home by three adopted sisters, ages 13, 12 and 9.
“He’s a blessing,” said Peggy Klamers. The sisters were all smiles when asked about their baby brother. Two of the girls, who are sisters, were adopted in December 1999, just in time for the millennium, Albert Klamers said. Their third daughter was adopted in July of this year.
The family was actually blessed with their newest bundle of joy just before Christmas last year when the boy came to their home at the age of six weeks. With four children, the Klamerses now said they will take it day by day.
Ironically, when they became foster parents in 1994, adoption was the farthest thing from their minds. But after having numerous placements throughout the years, their attitude changed. Peggy Klamers said they began to feel “empty nest” syndrome after nieces and nephews would visit.
“Then it came time for adoption, and it started the ball rolling,” said Albert Klamers.
Along the way the Klamerses realized another attitude change. Peggy Klamers said initially they didn’t want to accept any babies. Their new son was the first newborn they ever cared for.
“It’s your child. You love him like your own,” Peggy Klamers said. After several months of caring for the child, the Klamerses learned that the parental rights of the boy’s parents were being terminated and they said yes right away to adoption.
For their special family, the Klamerses have a special home situation. Peggy Klamers works at Brownsville Hospital and Albert Klamers is a stay-at-home father. With the newest addition, Peggy Klamers said they haven’t decided if they are going to stop being a foster family or not.
“It’s rewarding,” she said.
Kathleen Michalsky, adoption case worker, said the adoptions were planned to coincide closely with National Adoption Day, which is Saturday. She said the first adoption day in court was held in 1999. So far this year, 17 children have been adopted in Fayette County.
In 1997, President Bill Clinton signed changes in the adoption law that encourage agencies to more quickly place children into permanent homes. Since that time in Fayette County, numerous adoptions have taken place, include a high number of 20 in 1999 alone.
“This is the happy ending,” said caseworker Gina D’Auria.