Recently we had to attend a hearing in the high court in the Strand, London, where a judge granted an adoption order making us the legal parents of Holly who we have looked after for two and a half years. This was the conclusion of a long legal process. When the judge finally said, " Very Well, I am persuaded". We knew that he would make the order. It goes without saying that this was a moment of intense joy and relief to us. He then went on to sum up the case and to describe how the law applied to it. In his summing up the judge said, "it is clear to me that Holly is a cherished child in the Bain household". This, together with other comments that he made, indicated to me that the judge was disposed to recognising an unusual set of circumstances.

We are grateful to God and to True Parents. And we are grateful to Toby and Mari-Angeles Warren. Their offering to God and to True Parents is way above anything that can be expected or asked of, and is quite simply, viewed from the point where we were standing as a middle aged childless couple, in a league of it’s own. We did not expect this to happen and the fact that it did is a source of amazement to us. To say that we are grateful, and we will always be grateful, is not enough.

We would also like to acknowledge help given by Dolores Read, Susan Crosswaithe, David Coombs, Francoise Murphy and George Duncan, who, together with others, gave us practical and legal advice. I should point out that certain aspects of the advice that was given were an indispensable necessity in securing a successful legal conclusion.

The judges summing up of the case is of great interest because it throws light on how the law is applied. His words were very carefully chosen. To others contemplating being in a similar situation we are happy to pass on relevant information, and would earnestly encourage them to contact us. To not take legal advise in these circumstances would be extremely unwise.

It is wonderful to have the opportunity to be parents. When I leave for work in the morning, Holly stands by the door, waving goodbye. When I return in the evening as soon as I open the door I can hear little Holly shouting at the top of her voice, "Daddy, Daddy". Then Holly comes running towards me. " Daddy, come", she says, taking hold of my hand and leading me into the living room to show me her latest painting or perhaps a new toy that somebody has given her. Then I am helping to put the furniture in the dolls house. Then I am organising cups of tea and a picnic on the living room floor for all the dolls and teddy bears. Then I am playing shops with Holly and selling tins of food at silly prices. The possibilities are endless and the TV has now almost been made redundant.

To be given this opportunity to be parents is a blessing beyond description. There are no words to fully describe our joy. It has changed the focus of our life. It has changed the concept of parenthood into actual parenthood, and for that we will always be deeply grateful.

At the hearing in the high court the judge said that this was his last case before retiring after forty years as a judge, and that he had re-arranged the order of the cases to be heard so that ours would be his final case. Afterwards he invited ourselves and Holly to come to his private chambers for a talk. Holly then had her photo taken with the judge. It was a historic moment. Even the judge was getting caught up in the excitement of it all. He was happy for us and also for himself that he finish his career as a judge on such a high note.

This is the very first that we have written an article for the Home Town News. Our joy at being confirmed as parents is such that we cannot keep it to ourselves, but feel compelled to share our happy story to give hope and encouragement to others.

Finally we would like to thank all those who prayed, at whatever time, or in whatever way. The prayers were heard, and the prayers were answered.

Tony and Hildegard Bain
Mitcham, Surrey.

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