[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Pages 22652-22653]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO STEVE AND SHELLEY BRUNE

 Mr. JOHANNS. Mr. President, Steve and Shelley Brune are 
extraordinary Nebraskans who made a commitment to open their hearts and 
home to a foster child, which led to a remarkable story of love and 
compassion.
  In September 1999, they welcomed Jonathon into their home as a foster 
child. In February 2001, Jonathon's biological brother, James, was also 
removed from the home. The Brune family recognized the importance of 
keeping siblings together and agreed to unite the brothers by welcoming 
James into their home as a second foster child.
  The Brunes worked closely with the Nebraska Department of Health and 
Human Services, HHS, in efforts to reunite Jonathon and James with 
their biological parents. When HHS determined that reunification was 
not in the boys' best interest, Steve and Shelley made a permanent 
commitment to the boys by adopting them; Jonathon on July 19, 2001 and 
James on January 17, 2002.

[[Page 22653]]

  In October 2007, the biological sister of James and Jonathon, Mary 
Ann, was removed from the home. HHS contacted the Brune family to 
discuss the possibility of once again becoming foster parents. The 
Brunes recognized that this child needed a loving home and would 
benefit from being with her brothers. For a third time, they admirably 
opened their hearts and home, welcoming Mary Ann on July 15, 2008.
  In April 2009, another sibling, Madeline Grace, was born and was also 
removed from the home. The Brune family showed tremendous compassion 
and devotion to the children of this family by agreeing to welcome 
Madeline Grace into their family. Steve and Shelley are currently in 
the process of adopting both Mary Ann and Madeline Grace.
  It is with heartfelt admiration that I nominate Steve and Shelley 
Brune as Adoption Angels. Their capacity to love and care for these 
four children is an inspiration and worthy example for others to 
follow. My hope is that their story inspires others to consider opening 
their hearts and homes to the many children awaiting adoption, in need 
of loving families.
  May God bless Shelley, Steve, Jonathan, James, Mary Ann, Madeline 
Grace, and all adoptive parents who give children the gift of a loving 
family.

                          ____________________