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Is this your first time through? If it is congratulations!
I'm happy because...
My wife and I have wanted more children (we have 4; girl 12, boy 10, girl 8,
boy 5). So we took on my wifes second cousin last summer. She was basically
abandoned to the care of her Great Grandmother(86) for the last 10 years of her
life.
We started legal guardianship immediately at the advise of a lawyer. The
mother who had nothing to do with this girl (Brandi 12) for the last 10 years
decided that she now wanted her. We had her in our home for 6 weeks when the
mother asked for her daughter back. Brandi really wanted to go, and besides the
only reason we took her on was because the Great Grandmother couldn't care for
her any more and the parents wouldn't take care of her. With great reluctance,
fear, trepidation, etc., we let her go.
Because we enjoyed having her with us, we checked into adoption sortly after
she left. My wife and I found a non-profit adoption service. We went through
extensive foster care training required for the adoption process. 4 weeks
ago we completed all of paper work and training. We are now ready to adopt.
Now, what makes me happy is that 4 weeks ago we were awarded physical custody
of Brandi. She had so much trouble adjusting to her mother and the mother's
boyfriend that she just couldn't live there any more. The child protection
services had been called several times during her stay there by concerned friends
and neighbors. Brandi also called us several times at the beginning of this year.
Finally, in desperation the mother decided to place Brandi in a childrens
emergency home. This was to teach her a lesson. While Brandi was there, the
coucilors along with Brandi realized that the situation at home was not going
to get any better. This coupled with the fact that child protection services had
been called several times caused a judge to rule that Brandi could not go back
to her mother. Brandi and the Courts turned to us. We had told them of our desire
to have Brandi live with us several times and offered to help out any way that we
could. They awarded us physical custody of Brandi and we had her flown to us 4
weeks ago.
Brandi is doing just fine. Fortunately (for her) her grandmother had raised
her in the gospel, had taught her correct priciples and had given her great care.
I and my family are greatful that the Lord has blessed us with another life
to mold, to nurture, to love and to raise in correct principles.
This is why I am happy. I only hope that the opportunity will present itself
to have Brandi sealed to our family for all eternity.
Therefore...I'm happy.
PS. Call me crazy, but we are still going to do adoption. Possible add 1 or 2
more children.
Carter Paul Ashford
Elders Quorum President
Pittsburg First Ward
Antioch California Stake
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