November 2, 2009: What a wonderful day!! On this day, we went to the Erie County Court House, testified under oath and was granted full parental rights of Maria by Judge Bozza (photo right shows us being questioned by our lawyer).
Grandpa Wittgens came to Erie for the occasion, representing Mima (thanks for the amazing books you sent, Mima!). Of course, Busha and Dzia-Dzia were there in spirit (or picture frame)!
We were joined at the court house by lovely friends. Maria's Godparents, Angie and Bryan Amburn and their four lovely children Brandon, Veronica, Alanna and Rebekah. Melissa Violante (known to Maria as "Aunt Dr. Mooo") represented Nick. Greg Schlueter represented for all 8 Schlueters. And Sister Josephine represented the Spiritual Family, The Work (a new religious order from Germany).
November 2nd is quite significant to us. Four years ago, we lost a little boy, Eugene Michael, to miscarriage. Overwhelmed by grief, the Lord spoke clearly to me: "I love you. I love your marriage. I have a plan for your family." Little Gene's due date was Nov. 2. How great is our God!
You are so blessed!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing pictures from your big day!
Hey! I just found this through something Paul had, so I read through it. I'm glad you posted it and I could see a little of the joy that happened that day!
ReplyDeleteSmall world: I'm connected to Greg Schlueter in that I'm the adviser to the Household he helped "begin": The Servants of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, and I think I just know him from school and other professional connections. But ALSo, I LOVE the WORK!! My good friend and former roommate Katie Thomas joined them! I'm so glad you know them.
Well, just wanted to say, long time later, congrats and I'm glad to have seen your pictures and story here!
Much love and blessings,
Jen Brown