One of the first things the family celebrated was the boys’ new last name. With a sign, the boys commemorated the event. Sara posted that she had shared her heart and home with them for 947 days. But as of August 13, 2018, she gets to share her last name with them. The Shank family now included two adorable sons.
Everyone agreed that Dayshawn and Michael Shank had a nice ring to them. Dayshawn went a step further and chose a new middle name for himself. Sara said that he defies every stereotype of a teenage boy, so, when he chose the middle name “Star,” she felt it fit him perfectly.
A New Day
The long wait for adoption meant the boys would not be separated. Sara and Stuart felt relieved they had achieved that goal. Their efforts were paying off tenfold. Dayshawn and Michael finally had the security of a family that they had always dreamed of.
Dayshawn’s concluding remarks in the courtroom would have sealed the deal for the couple, (as if there was any doubt in their mind.) At the end of his speech, he said that if he could wish for anything in the world, he would wish that he could just love Sara and Stuart for the rest of his life. Aww!
The Celebration
A swell of emotion came over the courtroom after Dayshawn’s speech. Family and friends present cheered the happy ending to Sara and Stuart’s adoption saga. Emotions ran high, and the Shank family was ready to celebrate. Warm messages of congratulations and well wishes came flooding in from all over. Anyone who learned of the Shanks' story was touched.
The celebration included donuts and a party and, of course, the limo ride. The Shanks hosted the party at their house following the hearing. Needless to say, the atmosphere at the party was electric with joy and celebration. This was the absolute best outcome for everyone. The new Shank boys were understandably the happiest people in the room.
Chosen. Loved. Adopted.
Though Sara and Stuart are strong advocates for reunification, their case landed in adoption. Sara said reunification was not possible in this situation. It turned out for the best. The boys were both so happy to be with the Shanks, and the Shanks were elated to call them their sons. They are thrilled about the boys’ future and being there for them.
Sara said that there is less than a 3% chance that teens who leave foster care at age 18 will earn a college degree. With her guidance, these boys have a good chance. Already, Dayshawn says he wants to be a basketball player, a doctor, or a social worker when he gets older.
Continuing Their Mission
The Shanks may have attained the family of their dreams, but they are not going to let go of their other dream — to foster children. The first foster child they took in as a new family was a 14-year-old boy who was a victim of truly unfortunate circumstances.
Her goal is reunification, in most cases. She says her thinking has changed from simply fostering kids to saying that she is doing her part to foster love and connection between each child and their parents. She feels like she is the parent’s cheerleader to reunite with his or her child. Benefits include less stress for the child, better relationships within the family, and a closer connection with the birth parents.