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.…
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