Making it Official
“It was very emotional, in a good way,” Mandi would later say. “We had all of our family and friends there. At the end of the court process, the judge announced Hunter’s new legal name.”
But, this wasn’t the only emotional moment that would happen for the family, as Hunter would also want to have his voice heard, with all due respect.
The Best Cure
Tyler was still dealing with symptoms of PTSD from the time he spent serving in Afghanistan, and Mandi was still battling her own issues.
But for both their physical and mental pain, Hunter was the best medicine. He was “both of our reasons to fight the health battles that we have been given,” Mandi said.
Dressed to Impress
When the family was finally expected to be in court, they were very nervous. But, they were also excited to hopefully finally seal the deal and make Hunter a member of the Palmer family. Everybody made sure to dress their best, and baby Hunter looked absolutely adorable in his sweater and dress shirt.
His parents were hoping to put everything behind them and finally be able to move on with their lives as a family unit.
Hunter Shares His Thoughts
As the judge read the adopted decree and the parents were becoming Hunter's official parents once and for all, Hunter looked up at Tyler and yelled "Dad!" He began clapping and made audience members cry. It was a meaningful and heartwarming moment for all. And best of all, it wasn't scripted. Mandi shared “It was very emotional, in a good way.
We had all of our family and friends there,” Mandi says. “At the end of the court process, the judge announced [Hunter’s] new legal name. And they read the adoption decree and that’s when Hunter looked at my husband and he said, ‘Dad!’ “
Together Forever
Of course, the moment was very meaningful for Tyler and Mandi because they could finally just focus on being great parents and not worry about anybody coming to take Hunter away from them. You can imagine how big of a relief that must have been for the two parents.
When Mandi was asked how she was feeling she replied “It’s definitely rewarding,” she said. “It’s nice to look in his eyes now and not have to worry that he’s ever gonna have to leave us again.” After the decision had been made to make Mandi and Tyler Hunter's official parents, the judge was confident that he had made the right decision. You could just look at the way Hunter adored his parents and know it.