Mt. Pleasant family celebrates adoption

@sfield_msun
Thanksgiving means a little bit more this year to one Mt. Pleasant family.

As Gloria Loveland’s relatives get together for their holiday feast, they will be counting three new blessings.

Kayn, 8; Damiey’n, 5; and Remy Loveland -- Gloria’s grandsons -- became her legal children Tuesday during Michigan Adoption Day in Judge William Ervin’s courtroom in Isabella County Trial Court.

Isabella and 35 other counties participated in the day, and seven children were adopted in Ervin’s courtroom.

Sitting at tables normally reserved for prosecution and defense attorneys in the courtroom, Gloria, the boys and their aunt, Lenea Bailey, listened to Ervin and others speak about the day prior to the adoptions being finalized.

Ervin told Gloria and her relatives, along with two other families adopting children, that it was one of the happiest days he presides over his courtroom.

“I view the parents and kids as stars,” Ervin said. “They are all our heroes today.”

Explaining that children up for adoption at times come from abusive and neglectful homes, Ervin praised the adoptive parents for opening their hearts and homes, giving the children love and stability.

One of the adoptions Tuesday involved a stepfather, and Ervin said such an adoption is just as important as any because it gives children a sense of permanence.

Lenea said Thanksgiving this year will include all the traditional foods shared with relatives and giving thanks for the adoptions.

“That will be something said at Thanksgiving,” Lenea said. “It’s been a long time for the boys.

“They deserve the family and deserve to know it’s home.”

Isabella County Prosecutor Risa Scully spoke to the group, saying that people who choose to foster and adopt children are heroes who have saved vulnerable children.

Scully also said there is more to adoption and fostering than home and love.

Prior to the ceremony, which was witnessed by State rep. Kevin Cotter, State Sen. Judy Emmons, Mt. Pleasant Mayor and state court administrator Bruce Kilmer, Sheriff Leo Mioduszewski and Michigan Department of Human Services staff, and others Gloria and her boys were in the hallway with other relatives, who gave the three gift bags.

All three boys quickly discovered disposable cameras in the bags and began taking pictures.

They also found Hot Wheels, coloring books, crayons, card games and photo albums.

During the ceremony, each child was given a certificate of adoption and a gift bag from the judge, along with a miniature gavel and a ring pop, which Ervin said is the most popular gift every year on Adoption Day.

At the end of the ceremony, Ervin again gave kudos to the adoptive parents.

“Today, you are my hero and I’m sure you’re the heroes of everyone in the courtroom,” Ervin said.

(Susan Field can be reached at sfield@michigannewspapers.com or follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/#!/susan.k.field.)