A child or family as Christmas present ?

A Christmas adoption: Congrats Lonkar family

23 December 2010 No Comments Michelle Reese

Cherrie Lonkar and her daughter, Maile. Photo by Chalice Leaman Photography

This morning, dozens of parents and children filled the lobby at one of Maricopa County’s courthouses.

Boys were dressed in ties and sweaters. Girls donned their best sparkly dresses and shoes.
Families and friends awaited their turn to enter the small room with the judge.
It was adoption day for at least half a dozen families.
The Lonkar family of Gilbert arrived a few minutes before their scheduled appointment. They were joined by aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and many friends.
It was my first experience at a hearing to finalize an adoption. I knew from Cherrie and Brian Lonkar it would be brief. It was their third adoption, second this year.
But it was also very touching.
As their three boys – in matching grey and red sweaters – sat with family members, Cherrie and Brian propped Maile Jane, their first daughter, up on their laps and answered a series of questions from the judge.

The 1-year-old didn’t sit still long, but she seemed to enjoy the event.
After the judge made the final statement, Cherrie read a letter to her little girl. In it, she spoke of the future and the many dreams Maile can dream, and Cherrie’s hope she can help her achieve them.

She spoke of wanting to share a love for people, nature and life.
She told Maile about how she has brought out the best in her mommy and how her mommy hopes to do the same in return.

Then the family gathered everyone for pictures – each parent placing a child on each hip.

The family and their kids – all four – are now Lonkars.

Just in time for Christmas.