Adoptive family will join Gov. Fallin to light state Christmas tree on Dec. 2

OKLAHOMA CITY –– A couple from Noble, Oklahoma with five adopted sibling children will help Governor Mary Fallin light the state Christmas tree at 6 p.m. on Dec. 2, 2014 on the south steps of the State Capitol building. 

“Bryan and Donna Komers are a great example of what the holiday season is all about,” said Governor Fallin. “They first opened their hearts and home by becoming foster parents for John and Rigo. And then they shared their love by adopting the boys as well as their three sisters, Wendy, Cesia and Maria. It’s a decision that comes with a tremendous commitment of both time and financial resources. But Bryan’s and Donna’s gift of absorbing them into their family is priceless because it will give the children stability and an opportunity to pursue their dreams. 

Thanks to all Oklahomans who have stepped forward to serve as foster or adoptive parents, particularly at this time of year when having a place to call home for the holidays is special.”

The Komers became foster parents through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) in 2013. The adoption of the five siblings was just finalized in June of this year.

“Bryan and I had recently built a nice home and we made the decision to share it with these children and we just felt the need to keep all of them together,” said Donna. “I think my biggest challenge was feeling like we were offering these children a good life and that they would just settle in comfortably, but that’s not the real world. These kids still have issues they are working through. It crossed our minds, ‘can we do this?’ 

We let the kids voice their emotions and let them know we were committed to them no matter what. We could see that they just needed us to wrap our arms around them and just love them.”

Donna said she and her husband have relied heavily on their faith throughout the process.

“With increased prayer and blessing from the Lord, we are becoming a happy family,” she said. “The children are a constant reminder that forgiveness, sacrifice, obedience, service and lots of love can soften hearts.”

The family’s DHS adoption caseworker, Randi Mann, says the Komers are exceptional. “I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with this family and Donna and Bryan deserve all the praise and recognition for their outstanding efforts to keep these siblings together.”

For the Komers family, this will indeed be a Christmas to remember.  

“I told the kids that we have this honor and privilege to light the state Christmas tree,” said Donna. “My 11 year old said, ‘do we really get to meet the governor?!’ I told her, ‘yes, we really do!’ We’re all pretty excited!”

There are currently more than 300 children in DHS custody who are legally eligible for adoption. 

To learn more about adoption or foster care, call 800-376-9729 or visit http://www.okdhs.org/