Forever Families at Adoption Day

Nov. 29 was a celebration of families, as Associate Judge Melissa DeGerolami of the Child Protective Court of South Central Texas granted adoptions for four new families. The hearings were held at the District Courtroom at the Atascosa County Courthouse.

She began by thanking District Judge Lynn Ellison for graciously allowing them to interrupt his docket that day for the County Court of Law, for a special child protection docket and celebration of adoptions. She said a grand celebration deserves a grand setting.

Prior to the proceedings, Tina Pacheco of This Mum’s For You pinned corsages on the family members.

“It is a celebration of commitment and dedication of perseverance and patience, of unconditional love. Those are hallmarks of every family, but especially the families that are being created today. This is an annual celebration here in Atascosa County and for the child protection court,” said Judge DeGerolami. “I am always excited to be a part of this celebration and to preside over it. It’s such an honor and privilege for me. Having for the most part, seen these cases progress and to get to this point, it is a long journey. One that today is going to end in a happy ending.”

She also thanked Margaret Littleton and the District

Clerk’s office for waiving all the fees that day for the adoption decrees.

“I think that’s pretty amazing this wonderful affirmation of community and the support that Atascosa County has for this important work, so I don’t want to belabor introductions,” DeGerolami said.

The adoptive families were the Brymer, Morales, Robinson and DeSpain families.

The first case on the docket was the Brymer family, of Atascosa County. DeGerolami invited everyone there in support of Madeline Brymer to all come forward. The judge said an adoption hearing is the best kind of hearing you can have.

Following a series of questions, the judge said, “I will say that based upon review of your file and testimony today and my own knowledge of this case, because it has been my sincere privilege to have watched and witness this journey, and this formation of family and I absolutely find that this adoption is in Madeline’s best interest and in all aspects. It is my profound honor to be in a position to adopt this adoption and to declare you a forever family and congratulations.”

The remaining families followed, with Ashlynn Robinson displaying a sign that read, “I was in foster care for 713 days, but today I was adopted.”

Afterwards, the celebrations continued at the Jourdanton Community Center for a reception. The decor and food featured a “It’s O-Fish-Al” theme.

Judge DeGerolami and Court Coordinator Dora Gonzales would like to thank the following for their contributions: Atascosa County Child Welfare Board members- Heart Gallery, cake and desserts; CASA of South Texaschips, dips and balloons; Texas Department of Family and Protective Services contributed cutlery, side dishes, drinks, desserts, snacks, gifts and decorations; Post Adopt Serviceschildren’s gifts; Kinship Program for the design of photo background, Christi Doerr for photography and Tessa Zapata; H-E-B and H-E-Buddy; Pleasanton High School- Ms. Meredith Rutherford Culinary Art students for the potato salad and pasta salad; Jourdanton High School- Emily Stricker and the students for face painting; Patricia Centeno- quilts for each child; Cafe Chrissandwich trays; Lauren’s Deli- sandwich trays; Crazy About Mangonadas- fruit cups – Nancy and Tony Guerrero; Jourdanton Community Center- Dorothy Manning; Atascosa County District Clerk- Margaret Littleton and stafffree certified copies of adoption decree; Atascosa County Maintenance Department Greg Simmons and staff; Tina Pachecocorsages for parents.