By Staff
AND BROTHER MAKES THREE n Sonia Barney and her daughters Kimiko, 17 months, and Nikita, 7, look at a photo of Joshua, who will join the family this week. Adoption has allowed Barney and her husband, James, to have a family. Photo by Paula Merritt/The Meridian Star
By Sheila Blackmon/The Meridian Star
May 13, 2001
Motherhood means more to Sonia Barney than nurturing her children.
For the soon-to-be mother of three, it is nothing short of a miracle.
Barney is one of 11 siblings, so it was especially painful when, in 1992, she was told she could not give birth to children of her own.
Moments later, the doctor related some of the worst news Barney and her husband, James, could have received.
The couple had been trying to have children for nine of the 16 years of their marriage. But Barney knew God would take care of it. She said God told her she would be fruitful and multiply. He just didn't tell her how. With God's blessing and a sister's love, Barney adopted her first child, Nikita, in July 1993. Nikita is now 7 years old.
Barney and her husband wanted to adopt another child but didn't know how to begin. From another couple, they learned how to adopt children through the state. Their first class was scheduled for November 1999, and they ended their sessions on Nov. 22 no later than a month.
A few weeks later, on Dec. 17, they received a call at church from their social worker. On Dec. 21, the couple adopted Kimiko born premature on Nov. 30, 1999, and weighing a tiny 4 pounds, 6 ounces.
The couple then wanted a little boy. The announcement of his arrival came to Barney in a dream.
When she dreamed about her soon-to-be son, Josh, he was a boy who attends Northeast Elementary School, where she substitute teaches.
After a series of visits, Josh, 5, will become a permanent part of the Barney household on Friday.
When it comes to singing the praises of adoption, Barney's tune may be unfamiliar to some.
Sheila Blackmon is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3275, or e-mail her at sblackmon@themeridianstar.com.