After 1,877 days of love, patience, and faith, a beautiful chapter in the Schatz family’s story has finally been written. On October 21st, surrounded by joy, smiles, and a few happy tears, two little girls who had been in their care for over five years were officially adopted, becoming a forever part of their family. The day was filled with a mix of emotions, including joy, relief, and gratitude.
You can sense that Deanne and Stewart felt an overwhelming sense of happiness and fulfillment, as though they were finally completing their family puzzle.
The little girls were adorable during the court proceeding and remained excited throughout the entire process, embracing the love from family, friends, and social workers. This significant moment was not just an official act but an emotional culmination of hope and dreams nurtured over the years.
A Journey of Love and Perseverance
The day began at the Lancaster County Courthouse, where the adoption was finalized after years of dedication and hope. The parents, already blessed with seven children, joyfully welcomed the two sisters as their own, officially becoming a family of eleven.
And did I mention that Deanne and Stewart are also proud grandparents to seven grandchildren? It was a moment overflowing with emotion. Years of waiting, praying, and nurturing had led to this single, powerful day.
“The girls love the Stitch character from the Disney movie “Lilo & Stitch”. In the movie, “Ohana” is the Hawaiian word for “family.” So, when we knew we would be adopting, it was a fun way to celebrate the girl’s being adopted into our family.” ~Deanne & Stewart
“Ohana” Means Family
To celebrate, everyone wore matching shirts that read “Ohana,” a Hawaiian word meaning “family.”
The word carried deep meaning for them:
Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind or forgotten. That spirit of togetherness was felt in every smile, every embrace, and every joyful tear shed that morning.
A Sweet Celebration of Forever
After the courthouse ceremony, the family and their closest friends gathered at their son-in-law’s aunt & uncle’s ice cream shop for a sweet celebration. The weather could not have been more perfect for celebrating a joyous occasion.
Everyone was filled with happiness and laughter, surrounded by hugs and the delicious scent of freshly made ice cream, a perfect way to mark the end of a long journey and the beginning of a new one.
A Family Built on Love
This adoption story serves as a heartfelt reminder that family isn’t defined by blood, but by love. After 1,877 days of waiting, these two little girls finally have their forever home and a family who never gave up on them. Their story is one of hope, faith, and the unbreakable bond that only love can build. Ohana is forever!
Throughout the day, there were countless moments of joy, laughter, and love. And, I am so honored and grateful to have captured them all. Each photo tells a piece of the Schatz story: the excitement at the courthouse, the smiles at the ice cream shop, and the pure happiness of finally becoming a forever family. We hope these images let you feel the love that filled their Ohana Day.
Behind the Smiles: A Q&A with the Schatz Family
How did your family prepare for the upcoming adoption?
The girls had been a part of our family for over 5 years. And we started to prepare for the possibility of adopting them a few years ago. It wasn’t an easy process, emotionally, because we never knew what was actually going to happen until a few months before our adoption. Foster care and adoption are definitely an emotional roller coaster. So you have to be flexible and ready for the ride!
Our 14 year old was adopted..,
through infant domestic adoption and after her adoption, we had a desire to adopt again. However, over time, we felt like we were being lead to do foster care. We have a large family but still had a desire to serve children and families through caring for children. We were open to the possibility of adopting a child that was placed in our home, if they needed a forever family, but our ultimate goal was to provide a safe, loving, nurturing home for a child for however long they needed it.
When we started fostering, we thought kids would come and go and that we would have to navigate, as a family, grieving the loss of kiddos that we fell in love with and attached to while also getting to celebrate when they reunified. So, when we were asked if we would be an adoptive resource for the girls we said yes.
But, we still had no idea what would happen because reunification was still the ultimate goal. Our situation, was longer than most. And, it was hard and discouraging at times when things didn’t make sense. But, we kept trusting in God’s plan for the girls and trusting in His perfect timing. So, when the time came, we were so ready to provide permanency for the girls. We are so thankful to be a forever family!
What was the most memorable moment of the day?
One of the most memorable parts of our adoption day was all the support, in addition to our family, that we had at the courthouse. We over packed the courtroom and it was so sweet!
What advice would you share regarding adoption?
If a family is feeling called to adopt, our advice is to pray about it, do your research into the types of adoptions (foster to adopt, domestic, and international). Then pray more!
Adoption is a forever decision with a lot of things to consider and loving a child doesn’t automatically make things better. Become educated in trauma and attachment and be ready to support your child in all areas of their needs and development for their lifetime.
A Message to Other Foster or Adoptive Families
To every foster or adoptive family walking this journey, don’t give up. There may be long nights, endless waiting, and moments when the future feels uncertain. But love truly makes it all worth it.
The road to adoption is not always easy, but it’s filled with purpose. Every moment, every prayer, every visit, every goodbye, and every new beginning is shaping something beautiful. The Schatz family’s story is a reminder that patience, faith, and love can turn uncertainty into forever.
If you’re in the middle of your own adoption or foster care journey, know this: you are making a difference. You are changing lives in ways you may not yet see. Hold on to hope, your “Ohana” moment may be closer than you think.
Have you experienced adoption or fostering in your own family? We’d love to hear your story, your favorite memory from the journey, or perhaps a piece of advice for other families considering this path. Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag us with #OhanaForever to spread the love.
Congratulations, Schatz family! I am so incredibly happy for y’all. What a beautiful family you have. May your family continue to be a blessing to everyone who meets you, just as your story has been a blessing to all who witness it. Your journey of love, patience, and faith is such an inspiration, and this new chapter is only the beginning of even more joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Xo, Debra
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