VIA Times – January 2023 Issue Vital News, Vibrant VIews for Asian Americans in Chicago & Midwest
By: Boom Boom Cabalona, “X” Divinagracia, Christopher Miranda
For many Mississippi families, a new member of their family was the best Christmas gift. Many more children will be adopted by the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services through “Home for Holidays” before January ends.
Last month, 11 children were adopted in one day by the Jackson County Chancery Court. Judge Neil Harris presided at the event on December 20 and called it a “Christmas miracle”.
Harris stated that the adoption process is personal for him. “It is personal because I have experienced adoption in my own family and have had a grandchild. We know how important it can be for these families. ”
The Parker families felt that the experience was personal. Izzy now belongs to the Parker family.
Not all Foster children were adopted last month. Patience Wolfe was officially named the mother of Lexi Wolfe, the young daughter of her husband Johnny Wolfe.
Jaqueline and Jerry Waits had technically been looking after their grandchildren for three years, but they now have the title of adoptive grandparents. Jaqueline said that it was a long process but they are glad to be part of today’s mass adoption.
Her husband stated, “It was an unforgettable day. It has been a long time since I last spoke. But it’s finally happening.
The day before Jackson County’s mass adoptive ceremony, a similar ceremony was held at Hinds County in Mississippi. It was a union of seven children from four families.
Angelleek, Maegan’s foster mother, has been doing so for ten years. Maegan’s older sister was also adopted by her four years ago. Angelleek Johnson said, “We are delighted that this day has finally come.” “This is her forever home. ”
“I’m just honored to be her mom,” she added.
Roshunda and Sederca Harris of Byram became a family of six that day. They had already adopted two brothers, Tavion and Demarion. Now, they have two sisters, Emerald and Kai Jai, as well.
Will Manuel, an attorney who practices in product liability litigation, offered to assist Hinds County with mass adoption proceedings. It was very rewarding for him.
Mississippi CPS announced in mid-October that it expected to have 250 adoptions by January. This is very likely. Judge Harris and his coworkers have bigger plans for 2023.
Harris said that he spoke to Chief Justice Randolph several weeks ago, and they discussed Harris’ goal of 1,000 Mississippi adoptions by 2023. Jackson County is well on its way to achieving this goal.
Nell and Lain Frias’ Christmas jot with grandchildren Landon and Logan Frias.
My little Prince Kenzo
Isabella Rivas, daughter of Chie and Jaime Rivas of Chicago, holds a Christmas parol at the Simbang Gabi 1st Night at Saint Mother Teresa Calcutta Parish.
Christmas day of the Rivas family: parents Jaime and Chie Rivas, and children, David, Nichol, Rafael, and Isabella. Sending love to VYT readers.
VT legal columnist Janice Dantes sending love to VT readers for 2023: The family members shown in photo are husband Ian Sharping, her mom Leonisa Dantes, Janice Dantes, and children Kai Sharping, Leo Sharping, and Mason Sharping.
Christmas 2022 at the Villalon house in Northbrook. Grandma Dely Villalon surrounded by her children and grandchildren on Christmas day.
