Shannon Culkeen first encountered her future “kiddo” while working as a mentor to young adults transitioning out of homelessness in Peterborough, Ontario. She recollects Cheyenne as a resilient teenager who fiercely guarded her bag of Cheetos. Shannon took Cheyenne on extended drives to learn more about her, discovering her aspirations, musical preferences, and love for glittery decorative pillows. Their bond endured through significant life events like Cheyenne’s high school graduation, first powwow dance, post-secondary education choices, and a medical emergency.
As Shannon contemplated becoming a foster parent, she realized that her relationship with Cheyenne had evolved beyond mentorship. Living in close proximity, they adopted a puppy named Bruno and continued their daily drives to discuss their futures. Cheyenne, now 20, is on the verge of a legal confirmation as Shannon’s daughter, cementing their familial connection.
The process of adult adoption in Canada varies by province, with Ontario permitting it through mutual consent and documentation. Both Shannon and Cheyenne were unaware of this option until Shannon researched it. In a system where hundreds of children age out of foster care annually without adoption, Shannon emphasizes the possibility of creating a lasting family unit at any stage of life.
Formalizing the adoption not only grants hospital visitation and inheritance rights but also signals a lifelong commitment to their loved ones. Cheyenne finds solace in the permanence of their relationship, knowing that it transcends temporary emotions or circumstances. For Shannon, proposing parenthood to Cheyenne mirrored a marriage proposal, culminating in a resounding “yes” and a deepened bond. As a symbol of their enduring connection, Cheyenne is legally adopting the Culkeen surname, while Shannon plans to commemorate their daily routines with a shared tattoo.
This heartwarming story showcases the transformative power of love and familial bonds, illustrating that it’s never too late to embrace and nurture meaningful relationships.