11/21/2009 10:15:00 PM
16 county children find families on National Adoption Day
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Les Stukenberg/
The Daily Courier
Angelena and her new adoptive mom Christy Jolly share a moment before "adoption day" at the Yavapai County Courthouse on Saturday. |
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Les Stukenberg/
The Daily Courier
"She was pretty shy at first," Christy Jolly said of Angelena. The Jollys were one of 12 families with which Angelena could have gone to live. |
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Angelena Jolly is one of those tiny miracles society often doesn't know about - even though it should.
Removed from the custody of her biological parents when she was just nine months old, the precocious Angelena, 4, did not officially find a stable, permanent home until Saturday morning.
One of 16 county children adopted during the biannual National Adoption Day proceedings at the Yavapai County Courthouse, Jolly beamed with joy in a third-floor hallway as her new parents, Christy and Josh Jolly of Prescott Valley, reflected on the experience mere moments before entering the courtroom to sign the paperwork.
The Jollys' delight was palpable, and their raw emotions left no lingering questions about whether Angelena was meant to be their child. Ten relatives, close friends and a co-worker came for the adoption, including Christy's younger sister, Vanessa Trella, 20.
Angelena, a dark-eyed brunette, also now has an 11-year-old sister, Emily - Josh's daughter, who is a bright, young sixth grader at Glassford Hill Middle School. Christy, 31, said this is the couple's first step toward building a family. Since Christy has fertility problems, she and Josh, 35, plan to adopt more children in the near future, including a boy.
"I've always wanted to adopt," said Christy, who works on the drop crew at Yavapai and Bucky's casinos. "We were so excited coming in here today. This has worked out really well. Just to know that Angelena is ours is awesome."
Added Emily of her sibling, "She brings an extra personality to the house, which we enjoy."
Trella said she has noticed a sincere difference in her sister's demeanor since the adoption became official.
"This means everything to her," Trella said as she held a bubbly Angelena in her lap. "She's happier now."
Until Saturday, Angelena had been shuffled back and forth eight times between the custody of her biological family and four foster families.
Ironically, Christy went through the foster care system in her youth and Josh was adopted at the Yavapai County Courthouse 30 years ago. They both have an invaluable connection to share with their daughter.
"My dad adopted me when I was just a little older than Angelena," said Josh, who works for a firearms wholesaler in Prescott. "This is special."
Judie Helgeson, a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA, from Prescott who assisted the Jollys in adopting Angelena, said the girl's real parents lost their custody rights a year and a half ago. Angelena's mother, a substance abuser, is currently serving time in prison while her father lives in the Phoenix area.
Without her biological parents, family members soon began caring for Angelena. But when that situation did not pan out, the court system stepped in and brought the Jollys, a licensed adoptive family, into the picture in June. The Jollys were one of 12 families with which Angelena could have gone to live.
On Saturday, Angelena wore a circular blue pin on her shirt with the words, "It's My Adoption Day!" on it. She received a colorful quilt and a pink teddy bear - customary gifts at these occasions - which she held onto tightly as she mingled with her adoptive family's friends.
"Through the worst of it, Angelena has always been happy," Helgeson said. "She's bright and outgoing. She has taken all the moves incredibly well for a tiny child.
"Fortunately, she wasn't physically abused or any of that. She's been loved in all of her placements - it's just that it was difficult to find her a permanent placement."
The Jollys did not really get a feel for Angelena until they made several visits with her former foster family and invited her into their home for a sleepover months ago.
Nonetheless, it didn't take long for Christy to fall in love with Angelena - particularly her unique, infectious laugh.
"She was pretty shy at first," Christy said. "But she knows now that she doesn't have to have any other families."
And that's all that matters.
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Posted: Monday, November 23, 2009
Article comment by:
jonas
we have adopted 2 kids at 10 and 11. what a joy and what a challenge! wouldn't change a thing - seeing them grow up knowing they are loved is awesome.
Posted: Sunday, November 22, 2009
Article comment by:
PRO ADOPTION!!!!!!
I lost a child many years ago at age 1 and grieved so many years til my courage sprang up and I decided to adopt child a (baby girl) instead of trying again to conceive. I now after 21 years with this adopted Daughter of mine can attest that she was a miracle then and she has grown into most beautiful women! I was truly blessed then and still continue the bond that we shared at adoption day! May you be blessed as I have been all these years!
Posted: Sunday, November 22, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
As one of the many professionals working with this child through some of this difficult path to where she is today... and it was a very long path, the end result of which has found her forever family with this great family she has found today!!! Congratulations to them all!
Posted: Sunday, November 22, 2009
Article comment by:
Linda
No matter how bad her parents are/were she will probably look for her biological parents when she is able to.
Posted: Sunday, November 22, 2009
Article comment by:
Formerly Known as
Congratulations Josh and Christy!
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