[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Pages 13799-13800]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           ANGELS IN ADOPTION

  Mr. JOHANNS. Mr. President, each year I nominate outstanding 
Nebraskans as Angels in Adoption, thanking them for their shining 
example of caring for children in need, children who want nothing more 
than a family of their own.
  This year, I am pleased to share the story of Paul and Mandy Mueting 
of Kearney, NB. They are true adoption heroes who have opened their 
hearts and home to three young boys.
  After Paul and Mandy had their biological daughter, Lydia, and became 
parents for the first time, they could not imagine a child not having 
the blessing of a loving family. Soon after, they learned of a young 
mother--a ward of the State herself--who was considering making an 
adoption plan for her then 22-month-old and 4-month-old boys named 
Steven and Edward.
  In August 2007, the boys were placed in the Mueting home and a plan 
was put in place for an open adoption. However, the birth mother left 
without relinquishing her parental rights. This was a setback for the 
Muetings, but they continued to care for and love the boys with the 
hope that they could still someday adopt them. Several months later, 
the boys' birth mom returned, asking for another chance to mother 
Steven and Edward. The Muetings took time to grieve their loss but did 
not give up hope of adopting children.
  In December 2008, the Muetings were informed by Nebraska Children's 
Home Society that another birth mother selected their family and wished 
to place her soon-to-be-born son with them. Evan was born in January 
2009. The Muetings were overjoyed. They welcomed Evan into their family 
with joy.
  Not long after they settled in with their new son, the Muetings 
received yet another call. Steven and Edward's birth mom had again made 
a decision to relinquish her parental rights. Seeing the love the 
Muetings had for her children, she requested that the boys be placed 
once again with Paul and Mandy. This was a big decision. It meant 
instantly doubling the number of children in their family from two to 
four. They knew that providing love and care to three adopted children 
is a big responsibility.
  Well, you will not be surprised to learn that Paul and Mandy didn't 
hesitate a moment. With open arms, they welcomed Steven and Edward back 
into their lives. The adoption was finalized last year. I am told that 
Lydia has fully adjusted to being outnumbered by three brothers. All 
four are fortunate to have each other, a wonderful home, and loving 
parents.
  It is with great pleasure and admiration that I nominate Paul and 
Mandy Mueting as Angels in Adoption. They are a wonderful example of 
compassion. My hope is that their story will encourage others to open 
their hearts to vulnerable children whose only dream is a loving and 
permanent home.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Arizona.
  Mr. KYL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the roll call be dispensed with.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.
  Mr. KYL. I would ask unanimous consent that I may speak for such time 
as I may consume.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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