Family Traditions

The Wedding was a big success, with a large attendance and a very musical background. Folks saying we'd not be forgotten. Opal and Amos Troyer. Married a month, happy as could be. Enjoying their farm immensely, he bought off a piece of the property as a hired hand, working on just about everything. From fence posts, raising black Angus. While she owned her Modest Clothing store all clothing was made by herself and a design tagged on the neck was " Opals Best."

They cherished each other as husband and wife. New to a wedding band around the finger forever together. Hugs and more hugs, one night at supper in candlelight ." Opal asks,"

Amos, there is a child of one year old at the Children's home. By the name of Theodore, he is ever so precious a Down syndrome baby and another girl Phobe about the same age. It means the world to me."

He reached over the table and grabbed her hand kissing it ever so gently. I love you, Opal. Yes, let's go adopt them as soon as possible. "

Danke my husband I love you so Amos. Let's make an appointment tomorrow." He agreed," Let's."

The very next day they went for an appointment. Father Joe, met them shaking hands. "I remember you Opal you were our teacher at one time. And this is Amos Troyer your husband. You have filled out the adoption papers for Theodore and Phoebe's good request. They also come with a state-paid Nanny. I have watched you with them you are very good to children. I remember we did a home study and work up then. No single-parent adoption if you are married. The idea is that you cannot have children. And possibly why you took a job working with us suggested by your surgeon. I'm going to send the paperwork while you're here.

" What we are going to have is a Family Traditions adoption," Opal said smiling as Amos looked on. Father Joe, put the receiver back on the hook," Since we did all of the paperwork already a home study. You have been approved by Monsenior Alfred. And a home study will follow up till a year afterward. Then an adoption ceremony and signing finalized. As of today, you will sign documents to be able to do preadoption paperwork, read a packet, and have a book go with you both home. A Nanny will be approved to go with you

And it's done for today. Thank you for adoption through Catholic Charities."

Sister Mary Francis stopped into br The guide over to see their children. " Hi Opal, and Amos, let's go right this way, coffee? Ok let's move on, shall we."

They slowly made their way while activities around them transpired. " Hello everyone," Sr. Mary Francis said waving. " Hello, Sister, Children and Nuns alike waved. While engaged in piano lessons, and guitar. A special needs area has lots of hands-on instructions, pegs, hand-over-hand, and speech training. " This is Theodore, he is going

With you, in a few days, one of our selected Nannys is going along. You are meeting her now playing with Theodore. " Hi Theodore, how charming are you." looking over at Nanny Sister Eve A Young Nun in her thirties. Small Asian, very pretty. Deep-set dark eyes and soft-spoken and yet so kind.

Theodore is two, he was almost a year old when Opal first met him. " Opal, Opal", he sang, holding his tiny dimpled hands up for her to take him. His apparent look of Down Syndrome, a very cute as can-be baby. Tan Olive colored skin, very smart for two years old. And because of all the interaction here at home.

Sister took him by the hands and led him over to Opal and Amos. They then went down on the floor to sit down on a nice soft rug for playing. Theodore sat on Opal's lap, hugging her nuzzled his face in her arm. She gently kissed his head hugging him. Amos next, taking in his arms to hug him and talk softly.

Sister Mary Francis snapped a Polaroid picture. The instant picture came out and was put in a scrapbook right away. The Home does this for all adopting parents. There would also be a picture of the home and the activities they were doing while staying. The staff pictures of their holy family. A single picture of, an infant through toddler of Theodore. And a journal stuck in his life.

Sister Genevieve slipped in with Phoebe, a pretty girl of five her parents. She has lived with us for a long time. Opal taught her at the school. They got along perfectly. Phobe small, blonde, blue-eyed eyed pretty little girl. Sweet as ever voice. She walked over to Opal," Hi, I love you." Opal's heart melted for she already loved her. Amos looked at his heart running over with love too. All watching teary eyes with joy a complete family from adoption.

Because they are a match made in heaven.

Then Theodore hugged Phobe, they clung to each other. Happy laughing, handing a furry ball back and forth. They were told the good news as much as they could understand. And do happy about it all. This is our family from the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Within a few minutes, they were walking to the lunch room. Smells of delicious food came filtering through. What were the smells, Tomato soup, a grilled cheese on the side, or a bowl of spaghetti and meatballs, and breadstick. If not those choices are breaded chicken fingers and cheese sticks. Drinks milk and ice water.

All Theodore's food cut up small, spaghetti his favorite, and drinking milk. He sat in a high chair, with a plastic bib on. And Phobe ordered chicken fingers, French fries and tossed garden salad, milk. All had a cloth napkin to wipe their faces. Opal and Amos would have a meal with the staff afterward.

Then onward to a short nap, in the nap room. Soft music played while a soft-colored light up on the ceiling of farm scenery. They lay by age on nice cots and a light blanket.

Opal and Amos looked on, then moved on to the next thing lunch. They held hands walking her and her husband. Hearts filled with such love in the moment.

" Ah there we are," Sr. Mary Francis, we are having you eat alone today in this window room for just that. A table and chairs, a pretty blue table cloth a white carnation in a case. A smiling face made of black felt glued on. Charming for sure, They picked a choice off a menu, free today with the adoption signing. " What shall we choose Amos? " Everything looks gut I believe sirloin tips in butter and mushrooms. A baked potato, green beans, a piece of cherry pie, kaffi."

" I am going to have the same sounds so gut." They checked off the order and turned the table light on. And quickly they were served later after the order. The food melts in your mouth tasty.

Then they met once again in Father Joe's study, along with Sr. Mary Francis. " I'm pleased about your adoption process and choices. The payment is in three payments, or pay it all today whatever is best for you.

When you first see your total bill cost, it may seem a lot. You must then estimate what the costs are if you have your own and the hospital bill when you're the Mother's delivery and care.

Your cost today is $15,000 times two, $30,000. Check only Please. Amos wrote out the total amount of $30,000. He handed it to Father Joe and shook hands.

The cost of a hospital delivering the same price. Although they can use insurance, there is a monthly insurance payment. And deductible.

Opal and Amos hugged, so happy today.