“I can’t imagine life without her”: Placer County celebrates Adoption Day in Auburn

Published Nov. 26, 2024

Laughter, tears and the sound of applause filled the historic Auburn courthouse on Nov. 23, as families and officials gathered to mark National Adoption Day in Placer County. The annual event celebrated the adoptions of 12 foster children, with an additional 23 adoptions finalized earlier throughout 2024.

"One of the true sustaining joys and privileges of my life as a judge," said Judge Todd Irby, "is to preside over the process of creating and bringing families together."

Among the families celebrating this milestone were Trina and Edward, who shared their emotional journey to adoption. "We had [our daughter] for two years, and there were moments we thought she might return to her birth mother," Trina explained. "Looking back, I'm grateful for every step of the process. Now, I can't imagine life without her. She's our world."

"If you have an open heart and space, please join in the journey because there's nothing like it," said Tea, another adoptive parent who finalized her adoption of two brothers at the event.

Placer County's Adoption Day is part of a nationwide celebration during National Adoption Month, spotlighting the need for foster and adoptive families. For information about fostering or adopting locally, click here.

Watch two families' stories from Adoption Day: