Taisley Ann Welch has declared October 14, 2015 “the best day
of my life” in part because she has brought her grades up to a 4.0 gpa (despite an ugly bout with “mono” last
month), but more importantly because it was on this beautiful Wednesday morning,
she officially became the daughter of Rick Thomas Welch. In a brief proceeding, witnessed by family members Allysa, Danielle, Kendi, Dave and Kathy Welch
and Ed and me, 5th District Court Judge Jeffrey C. Wilcox, asked
Stacy’s husband if he is “financially able and willing to assume all legal and
familial responsibility for her upbringing.”
The judge also spoke briefly of the “bond of love” he witnessed between
Taisley and her Dad.Then Judge Wilcox turned his attention to Taisley asking her, “is this OK with you?” to which she responded emphatically, “its what I’ve wanted for a very long time!” Then, after signing the adoption decree, which made this wish a reality for our beautiful 13-year-old granddaughter, Judge Wilcox ordered her family to “take you out for a treat.” After hugs, kisses, tears all around and pictures on the courthouse steps, the treat she wanted was smiley face pancakes from Village Inn. Gotta love this girl!
PS: The court bailiff was Nathan New who introduced himself and asked if Dad was any relation to Michael Sappington, who was his classmate and who he considers one of Pine View High School's really good guys.
