Judge Rick Morris told the Hearing family, "this is a special time, let's follow the yellow brick road."
the Hearings have just welcomed the newest member of their family. 2 year old Aden justice. His new mom and dad couldn't be happier,
"just as we are adopted children of god, he is now our adopted son."
Said new parents Billy and Amanda Hearing.
For these hopeful parents the adoption process often took years.
So when the legalities are done...the reality starts to sink in.
like for Krista and Everett Morgan, "even when we drove to this building, it completely felt different to us."
but there are still other foster kids asking 'why not me?'
"for them they know they're in foster care. And they know they don't have a family." Said CPS Adoption Supervisor Meaghan Rizzoti, "So we as adoption workers give them that hope. And let them know that we are searching for that perfect family."
Last year there were 98 adoptions in Bell County, and there are still 113 still in foster care. After talking with the judge, it was hard for him not to get emotional talking about today.
"we are trying to make the world a better place. That's what I want to do in my heart. Each one of these families that become a family, make this a better world."
Said Associate District Judge Charles VanOrden
So how could the Hearings describe the process to someone who is looking to adopt?
"the time the energy, the stress, the heartache. It's all of those things, but in the end it's worthy."
As for the Hearings, they told me that Aden is looking to celebrate with cake as the newest family member. .
