BILL & MONIQUE | TRACY, CA “Adoption is another word for love.”
Bill and Monique were a young couple full of love they wanted to share. After six years of marriage, it was painfully determined that they would never be able to have biological children. Their dreams were crushed. About a year later, they decided to look into adopting a child. They called the San Joaquin County Human Services Agency expecting to hear about the long wait and huge expenses they would incur. They were relieved to hear about the simple process and that there were lots of children waiting to be adopted locally. In addition, a county adoption would be essentially no cost to them. Hope was restored that they might someday be parents. Six months after they started the adoption process, they received a phone call about a five month old baby girl named Cassandra. It was love at first sight, filled with laughter and tears of elation. How could they not open their hearts and open their home to this baby? Sweet Cassandra had big, brown eyes and wore a huge smile. Their family bonded immediately. Cassandra brought incredible joy and laughter to their family. Nine years later, they decided to adopt another girl. They always wanted two children and hoped their girls would be close. Bill and Monique were called about a beautiful 5-year old girl. La Rosa fit right into their family. The day she walked through their front door, she very naturally became part of their forever family. She celebrated her fifth birthday with them two weeks later. The two sisters have the same complexion and long brown curly hair, so most people don’t question them being related. Both girls being adopted has bonded them together. They have a love for each other just like biological siblings. Through adoption, Bill and Monique’s dreams came true. These precious girls are the answer to their prayers. It is unimaginable to think they almost gave up on the idea of being parents. La Rosa is now 15 years old. Her parents beam with pride as she dances and sings incessantly. There is a sweet, quiet nature about her. La Rosa is crazy about fashion, clothing and make-up. She is a social butterfly and like most teenagers, enjoys spending time with friends. Last year Cassandra graduated from high school. Her caring nature has pointed her to college to become a pediatric medical assistant. There is no doubt in her parents’ minds that this will be a perfect profession for her due to her incredible compassionate and loving heart.
CALIFORNIA ADOPTIVE/ FOSTER CARE & SUPPORT AGENCIES Many of these organizations also offer postadoption support and discussion groups, social events, community service opportunities, counseling, resource libraries, trainings, family camps, and respite services. You will never be alone on your fostering or adoption journey!
Modesto, (209) 522-5121, bethany.org CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
childsworld.ca.gov EMQ FAMILIES FIRST FOSTER & ADOPTION
Stockton, (209) 954-3000, emqff.org FAMILIES FOR CHILDREN ADOPTION & FOSTER CARE
Stockton, (916) 789-8688, families4children.com ADOPT US KIDS
adoptuskids.org ASPIRANET ADOPTION SERVICES
Stockton, (209) 478-9862, aspiranetadoption.org
WWW.SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM
BETHANY CHRISTIAN SERVICES
FAMILY CONNECTIONS CHRISTIAN ADOPTIONS
Modesto, (209) 524-8844, fcadoptions.org LILLIPUT ADOPTIONS
Stockton, (209) 943-0530, lilliput.org
SAN JOAQUIN MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2013
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