National Adoption Day at Boston Juvenile Court yesterday saw the creation of several new families. Twenty-one children started a new life chapter, acting as poignant reminders of the human spirit's resilience and joy. Yet, other children remain in Massachusetts' foster care system, waiting for the comfort of their own permanent homes.

Emerging from this day of union were inspiring stories like that of Mimi, a 14-year-old girl who officially joined the Lee family of Dorchester. According to the Boston Herald, Mimi had resided with the Lees for nearly seven years before her adoption was formalized. Travis Lee, her father, discussed the sense of security this official adoption would bestow upon Mimi, and her mother, Katie Lee, celebrated the enhanced love around Mimi, remarking, "She's got a lot of love, she's got two times the love now, two big families to contend with."

Another tale of unity was that of 2-year-old Kinslee, joining the Roper family from Quincy. Jodie Roper, the child's newly-adopted mother, proudly stated, "My heart is bursting. We are forever family now."

Still, there are thousands of children in Massachusetts waiting for permanent homes. The Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) reported a 30% decrease in adoptions during 2020 and 2021. Bridget Chiaruttini, the organization's executive director, stated, "While there is so much joy in this room, so much to be celebrated, there are also always kernels of loss involved in, to adopt." She highlighted the importance of acknowledging the varied experiences associated with adoption.

As the 21st National Adoption Day in Massachusetts celebrated the start of countless new familial bonds, many youngsters like Mimi and Kinslee found hope in the newfound sense of family. Echoing this sentiment, Mimi's encouraging words to those still awaiting families were "just keep believing," a powerful message for every child longing for their own forever home.