The Best Cure
Tyler was still dealing with symptoms of PTSD from the time he spent serving in Afghanistan, and Mandi was still battling her own issues.
But for both their physical and mental pain, Hunter was the best medicine. He was “both of our reasons to fight the health battles that we have been given,” Mandi said.
Their Adoption Hearing Date Is Set
As happy as the couple was to meet Hunter, they would continue to ride one roller coaster of a ride over the following sixteen months. They spent months maneuvering the mountains of paperwork and bureaucratic red tape.
The year and a half involved hearings and meetings while they finalized paperwork for their case so that they could be seen by a judge. Their hearing was set for December 18, 2017 – only one week before Christmas.
Whatever It Takes
When the family finally had their court date, they had already been together for 17 months. While this may not seem like a long time, when you're a parent creating a bond with a baby, it feels like way more.
The thought of having to give up this child whom you've spent over a year caring for is unbearable. However, Tyler and Mandi were a power couple and they were ready for whatever it would take.
Dressed to Impress
When the family was finally expected to be in court, they were very nervous. But, they were also excited to hopefully finally seal the deal and make Hunter a member of the Palmer family. Everybody made sure to dress their best, and baby Hunter looked absolutely adorable in his sweater and dress shirt.
His parents were hoping to put everything behind them and finally be able to move on with their lives as a family unit.
Making it Official
“It was very emotional, in a good way,” Mandi would later say. “We had all of our family and friends there. At the end of the court process, the judge announced Hunter’s new legal name.”
But, this wasn't the only emotional moment that would happen for the family, as Hunter would also want to have his voice heard, with all due respect.