ORLANDO – Three years ago, Courtney Gilmour and her husband, Tom, became foster parents to Janielle, 12, and Elijah, 10.
“We knew quickly that we wanted to adopt them,” Courtney tells HUMANKIND. “But sometimes the system doesn’t work as fast as your heart works.”
Finally, in May 2017, the parents finalized the paper work to formally adopt the two siblings.
The Gilmours wanted to do something special to announce their commitment to their kids. They planned a trip to Disney World where they hoped to surprise Janielle and Elijah with big news.
When they arrived at the Magic Kingdom, Courtney tweeted a photo of her family and what she was up to.
Lots to celebrate!!!! #adoption #disney @WDWToday 1st time for our kids
Within minutes, Disney reached out, letting Courtney know that they would set up a dinner for the family to enjoy and hire a photographer to capture that special moment.
The Gilmours were unaware that Mr. Mickey Mouse himself was going to partake in the experience. After dinner, the iconic character joined the family, meeting the children and sharing some laughs.
As Janielle and Elijah were posing for pictures, a Disney employee held up the sign that Courtney had created for this moment: Your Adoption Day will be May 24th 2017.
When the siblings saw the sign, they were shocked. Watch the video above to see the heartwarming moment.
