Brothers Adopted Thanks To Wednesday’s Child Segment
Jan 1, 2020, 9:55 PM | Updated: Jan 2, 2020, 11:19 am
WEST JORDAN, Utah – On this week’s Wednesday’s Child we won’t be introducing you to a child in need of a family. Instead, we have an update that is sure to make you smile.
This holiday season, two boys will be getting exactly what they’ve been wanting for a long time.
On Monday, KSL was invited to the Third District Court to be a part of the adoption finalization for Tyler and Joshua. The boys were surrounded by their new adoptive family.
“Anytime you’re ready, go ahead and use the gavel,” Judge Renee Jimenez told the two boys.
They each took a turn pounding the gavel, as the crowd erupted in applause.
This was a day about 10 years in the making.
KSL first introduced you to Josh and Tyler back in September 2017. The boys had some fun trying out indoor surfing at that time, but opened up about their hopes for the future.
“We have a second chance to start a new family,” Tyler said at the time. “We’ve been in foster (care) a long time, and we really want to get adopted.”
Michael and Shay Pendergrass saw the boys’ original Wednesday’s Child segment. They said the story resonated with them.
“It broke my heart,” said Shay Pendergrass.
However, broken hearts have a way of healing, especially when you’re surrounded by those you love.
“I’m feeling relieved and amazed, and just so happy we can finally have this forever family,” said Shay Pendergrass. “We’ve been waiting a long time for this.”
Outside the courtroom, Josh got emotional as the realization he was no longer in state custody set in.
“I’m just glad to have family that cares about me so much,” he said through tears.
Shay and Michael Pendergrass are first-time parents.
“I never thought I was going to be a dad, so that’s pretty big in its own right,” Michael Pendergrass said.
The Pendergrass family lives in Idaho. Much of the extended family traveled to Utah to be a part of the special day.
“(Tyler and Josh) have been patient for so long,” Michael Pendergrass said.
Josh wanted to leave some parting words for all the other kids living in foster care still waiting to find their forever home.
“Don’t lose hope,” Josh said.
Hope got Josh and his brother to where they are now, and happiness will sustain them for years to come.
“Thank you, guys, for doing the Wednesday’s Child segment,” Michael Pendergrass said. “It really does work, and that segment is how we found our boys.”
To learn about children lingering in the Utah foster care system, contact the Utah Adoption Exchange at 801-265-0444 or at www.adoptex.org.
