Children join ‘forever homes’ on National Adoption Day

DOVER, Del. – A Bethel family got an early Christmas gift. This year, they now have a pair of lovable kids they can finally call their own.

The celebration was part of Delaware’s 12th Annual National Adoption Day.

“We had five miscarriages of our own, we lost five babies and that ultimately made us decide that we wanted children,” said Shannan Phoebus, the mother.

Their wish for a family of four came true on Saturday after months of fostering their newly adopted one-year-old Leah Phoebus.

Leah came into their arms shortly after birth.

Her mom Shannan says adoption for new moms and dads is rough.

“They don’t know what they’re losing,” said Shannan.

“They really don’t and it’s heartbreaking for them, and I know it’s exciting for us, but it’s heartbreaking for them,” said Shannan.

Their two-year-old son Kaleb, also recently adopted.

It is something grandpa Roby Twilley says is surreal.

“What’s better than to have a child walk up to you and go like this and reach their hands up to you and smile at you and be happy?” said Twilley, “There’s not a better feeling.”

While most kids in foster care will be reunited with their loved ones, state leaders say nearly 100 children are currently waiting for their forever families.

“One of the things that’s very important for any child is connection to family and through adoption that is what we try to encourage,” said the Delaware Division of Family Services Director, Trenee Parker.

Despite the hardships that might come with the adoption process, the Phoebus family says it is critical to never lose faith.

“You might feel like you’re stuck and you want to give up, but there’s so many resources available to ask for help and everybody is willing to help,” said Shannan.

Although National Adoption Day comes once a year, state leaders are constantly encouraging families to consider adoption and give a child a loving new home.