Building a Family

Posted May 21, 2010

JOURNEYS BEGIN WITH A SINGLE STEP.

On the surface, for Courtney Bishop,* her upcoming trip to Florida might not seem significant. Looks can be deceiving: her journey is more than just about distance. It is about commitment, about hope, and ultimately about becoming a family.

“After years now, it’s finally over,” says Courtney, a Regions associate. “We’re actually going on our first family vacation in a couple of days—a beach trip to see family and just relax.”

This seemingly ordinary comment belies the dramatic challenges Courtney faced and overcame. Three years ago, Courtney’s real journey began when she learned of a tender nine-month old, Dylan,* who had been injured.

What’s more, Dylan was not receiving the much-needed medical attention he so desperately required.

So Courtney, a single woman, stepped in and took charge, preventing a bad situation from becoming much worse. In fact, it was a rescue, though unassuming Courtney would never put it in those terms.

Because Dylan’s injuries were severe, Courtney immediately took him to a local hospital for treatment. It was there the Department of Children's Services (DCS) became involved and placed Dylan with a foster family. “I knew what Dylan’s home life had been, and I was determined that Dylan wasn’t going to have to stay with foster parents for very long,” explains Courtney.

Dylan was in foster care for a scant five days—from the time he left the hospital to when he went home with Courtney as his custodian. From then on, Dylan had someone who was always going to be there supporting, encouraging and most importantly, loving him.

“He called me ‘Mom’ from the beginning. We had a unique bond. He just felt like my own child from day one,” says Courtney.

Because of his injuries, initially Dylan required special daycare with a registered nurse. Because Courtney was a Regions employee, Regions offered its help with Dylan’s daycare through a program that assists employees with newborns or children who have illnesses and special needs.

This was not the end of the journey for Courtney. When she learned that Dylan’s sister, Shelby* was born, Courtney immediately knew what she had to do, and the family she’d built with Dylan was about to grow. DCS promptly granted Courtney custody. “I have had Shelby since she was 2 days old,” says a proud Courtney. It was like another gift had been given to me. I felt so fortunate to be the mom of these two beautiful children.”

What followed was the long, arduous legal process of adopting both Dylan and Shelby: the legal fees, the court dates, and the meetings with attorneys.

It was overwhelming, and at times, it felt endless. At one point, Courtney considered taking leave from work during the adoption process. It became so time consuming she worried about its impact on her job, but she received continual support from her colleagues.

“Regions has been so great to let me take the necessary time to see to the kids, to go to court, to do the things I had to do for my children,” Courtney says. “It had been going on for three years, and it was a struggle.”

Then she heard about an adoption reimbursement program for Regions employees at just the right time. After getting the adoption certificates and disposition papers to Anna Buntin, a Corporate Initiatives Coordinator in Regions Corporate Associate Relations area, that was essentially it.

“It had been a real challenge for Courtney, and it was heartbreaking and rewarding,” says Anna. “For the people adopting, it may be the single greatest thing they’ve ever done. It’s so encouraging to hear the joy in their voice when talking about their new families.”

“Anna was a great help,” Courtney says, “and the adoption reimbursement program was such an amazing thing for an employer to offer to their employees. It was very much needed and came at just the right time.”

“I went from being single without children to suddenly having a nine-month-old child and then having two children,” Courtney says. “My life has been altered but in such a wonderful way. I am seeing the world through their innocent eyes.”

“It feels overwhelming to know that another person depends on you. It’s amazing, though, how it changes you, how it makes your life better, how you put them first. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

Both her parents live with Courtney and help take care of Dylan and Shelby during the day. Having them around to help shoulder some of the awesome burden that single parents endure makes a huge difference.

“It’s been a great blessing,” she continues. “I’m very fortunate. You never think about how important family is, do you? It is powerful.”

Today, Dylan who will be four soon, is doing great. On particularly active days, he still has some discomfort, but overall he has come through the roadblocks placed in his way with a good attitude. He may require another operation, but that’s on down the road from here. Right now, Dylan, Shelby, and Courtney—the Bishop Family—are just enjoying their time in the sun.

“It’s been an incredible journey,” says Courtney.

* Names and identifying details changed to protect privacy

comments (29)

Such a sweet & inspiring story with a great ending.

Lesleigh

Awesome!! I watched her go through this, and although there were some very frustrating times, she was very focused and had her eye on nothing but the finish line. Well done!! You have crossed it. Enjoy your family!!!!

Michael Wilson

I work in ministry with high school students and I can tell you that you have changed their lives. What most teenagers are without is feeling loved. Thank you for investing in them and loving them. You will never know how many lives have been affected because of your sacrifice and love. May your family continue to inspire and bless others. That's how we become the hands and feet of Jesus.

Alicia

Amazing story. I hope I get the chance to meet "Courtney" one day. I think I would give her a hug! I work with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and I can attest to the power of bring a positive role model into the lives of at-risk children. The world needs more people like "Courtney" .

dennis

This story is so touching. It gave me goosebumps!

Jennifer

My husband and I were foster parents for three years. Even though it was very difficult to see the little ones God allowed us to be apart of their lives leave us, our greatest joy was to see "our kids" get a forever home as we called it. Courtney is truly an angel sent to care for her babies.

Danette

That's awesome that Courtney just stepped up to take two children without hesitation. I'm a single woman too and I don't know if I would be able to shoulder that load. Props to Courtney for doing the right thing for those two babies! God definitely puts us in situations but I truly believe He'll never give us more than we can handle. Have fun on your trip!

Molly

Excellent story!

Candace

Courtney what an inspiring story you have shared with us. I don't think I can wipe the tears fast enough coming out of my eyes. You are a very special person that has done great things with your life choices. I wish you nothing but happiness and joy throughout the years. Give your self a huge pat on the back for making these lifelong decisions. I wish there were more people in this world like you. Thank you for sharing this story.

Leslie

What a beautiful story!

Carrie Williams

This is a truly beautiful story to hear. One that children were helped and saved, instead of vice versa. Regions employees were compassionate and understanding during this transition. You are a blessing to those kids and I am sure they are a blessing to you as well. God bless you and good luck!!!

Wanda

What a sweet story. My brother in law and his wife just went through adopting..it is life changing but a true blessing. I hope and pray all goes well with you and your family. Blessings.

Fran Nolin

A beautiful heartwarming story. Thank you for sharing.

Belinda Casiday

We all have to realize it just takes one person willing to cast out a life line to save someone's life that will forever change so many lives for the best.

Sharon Johnson

Amazing story, I never knew Regions offered such an amazing program for employees. As a father I know how important it is for children to have a safe and loving home, and I can tell that Dylan and Shelby have found that in Courtney.

Jason D. Ramsey

Courtney, you are to be commended to stepping in and being a mom to two children who needed you and your love. Today, it seems that children are also considered to be "disposable" like so many other things and so many parents do not really want to be parents. They do not want the responsibility so off the kids go to anyone willing to take them. I applaud your willingness and desire to do for Dylan and Shelby what no one else could do. God put you in their lives for a reason and I know that you will be blessed beyond belief by your family. God bless you and YOUR children!

Judy Bates

This story absolutely gives me goosebumps! It brings such joy to know that there is such good people out there in the world and even better that they work here at Regions. Thank you for sharing your story...Children are so precious- thank God that they have you in their lives!

jennifer

Wow - what an inspiring story. "Courtney" you literally have stepped in and made a piviotal difference in the directional future of two lives. To show that type of unconditional love is rare and bestowed upon you for a purpose. May you continue to walk in the Light and be encouraged that you are making a difference!

Pam Hatt

Such a Great, heartwarming story...

Teresa

What a wonderful story!

tasha

I want to adopt and it is beautiful to hear stories of other people who have been down that path and how beautiful and rewarding it can really be. It is absolutely wonderful. thanks for sharing! I wish you and your family hope and happiness in the future. :) :) :) p.s. It is amazing how much love we really have to give...

A.C.

Thank you so much for all of the comments. It has been a truly amazing journey and one that I would do again if given the chance. I knew that it was all worth it the first time I came home and my son called me "mom." They are they love of my life and my life is so much better because of them. I am told all of the time that they are blessed to have me, I think it is the other way I am truly blessed to have them. God knew what he was doing and I thank him everyday for the gifts he has given me.

Courtney Bishop

Thank you for stepping up for these children. Now your children. May God bless you all.

Teresa

How sweet...and selfless....those sweet babies will bring you such joy and you have altered their lives to have meaning...

Barbara Doles

Thank you Courtney for stepping up to take care of two beautiful children in need of parents. Not too many people have the heart to do what you did. I believe that you are an amazing wonderful person and God will bless you and your family with his Grace. Your story is inspirational and uplifting. It shows kindness and love something that we are lacking to see in others these days.

Alina Toledo

This is such a beautiful story. I am really proud to be part of a company that helps our families and communities in this way. Adoption is a blessed gift all the way around - but it is also a huge financial and emotional challenge, for all involved. My brother and my grandson are both adopted (from Korea) and they are truly precious blessings to our family. My daughter was able to have some expenses reimbursed by various ministries and that is what made it possible for her to adopt. Thank you, Regions, and thank you, COURTNEY - for stepping up to the plate!

Melanie Poland

That was such a remarkable story and very courageous of a woman that started off without any children.. May "God" keep blessing the Bishop family.. Stay prayed up and "God" will continue to bless you all..

Danielle

This is such a beautiful story. My brother and I were adopted as babies from two third-world countries in Central America. We're forever grateful & lucky for the opportunites we've been given & for the wonderful parents we cherish. They worked very hard to get us here, especially before a Civil War broke out. The words "adoptive parents" are not in our vocabulary. They are our real parents & it always felt as if it were meant to be. Courtney, people like you who have an abundance of love & courage can change the lives of children who so desperately need it. Just like you, my mother has always said she was the lucky one and that we were not born under her heart, but in it. But make no mistake about it, you are your children's guardian angel in the flesh. God Bless.

Lori

What an amazing story. I was so touched to read this article. I can truly "See the Good" in Courtney. I cried as I read this article as I couldn't help but think what an amazing mother you must be to these children. You have made such as difference in these two lives. Thank you for sharing your story!

Brittany A