TRAVERSE CITY — Steve Miller tried to maintain his composure as he spoke about his family's decision to adopt children, but he couldn't fight back the tears.
Miller and his wife, Tracy, provided foster care to seven children over the years. Tuesday, the Traverse City couple finalized the adoption of Adrianna Garza, 17. The Millers have a biological son and also decided to take in children with no place else to go.
"The need was so great that we just couldn't quit," Steve said. "They all need a chance, and we just feel we can give them a little normalcy."
Tuesday was Adoption Day throughout the state, and 14 families finalized the adoption of 17 children in the 13th Circuit Court's Family Division in Traverse City. Probate Judge David Stowe presided over the ceremonies, and the children who were old enough tapped his gavel to mark the occasion.
"This is truly the best day in court of the entire year," said Janet Kronk, a family services case manager for the court. "This is totally a team effort, and everybody works so hard to make sure these kids are placed with good, loving people."
Adrianna had been in and out of foster care for five years, and she's glad to have a permanent home.
"I'm actually surprised because of how old I am," she said. "A lot of foster parents don't want kids my age ... I'm really thankful to be one of the kids that gets adopted."
Mike and Jennifer Kies also added to their family when they adopted Alexis, who is 21 months old. They have two biological sons and years ago decided they were interested in adoption, too.
"There are so many children who need a loving home," Jennifer said.
They started the long and detailed process of adopting Alexis last year. Kronk said an excited Mike called constantly for updates.
"This is a true Thanksgiving," said Mike, a corrections sergeant with the Grand Traverse Sheriff's Department. "We have our biological children, and since they've been born, I don't ever think I've wanted anything so much in my life."
Like many other parents, the couple said adoption means a lot to both the parent and the child.
"Alexis is just as much a blessing to us as we are to her," Jennifer said.
Interlochen residents Chad and Dawn Bousamra adopted their third child, 7-month-old Marielle, on Tuesday. Their other adopted children are now 6 and 4.
The Bousamras couldn't have children of their own for health reasons and wanted to improve the lives of other children. Marielle's biological mother had substance abuse issues, Dawn said. The biological families of Dawn's other adopted children had difficulty caring for them.
"For us, we're purpose-driven to make a difference," Dawn said. "We have such a village of providers and family and friends who support us and love our children."
The local circuit court has celebrated Adoption Day for eight years. The court finalizes 60 to 75 adoptions a year.
