A Brockport family adopted their foster child virtually over Skype Tuesday morning – the first-ever Family Court virtual adoption in Monroe County.

“We say he had our hearts the minute we met him, and now he officially has our last name,” said Julianna Frisch.

The Frisch family started fostering Ramon when he was two years old. His adoption was originally scheduled for April 8, but was postponed when the pandemic hit and courts closed.

“Even after all those years of waiting, we got the call and then had to wait,” said Frisch.

Nearly seven weeks later, a Monroe County Court judge officiated the adoption in a special ceremony over Skype. Frisch says the unusual ceremony didn’t bother them.

“We were just so anxious for this day to come that we knew that we were willing to do this, no matter what. We did not want to wait any longer,” said Frisch.

And while family and friends couldn’t be there in person, they, too, watched the adoption ceremony virtually.

“We couldn’t have done this all by ourselves. We’ve had the support of our friends and family the entire five years. So, we were so happy to see all them being able to get on the call or on the link today so they could be a part of it,” said Frisch.

Celebrations began with a car parade outside the Frisch home, and then the family went fishing – one of Ramon’s favorite things to do. Now, the family is looking forward to their next chapter together.

“For the first time in five years, I do not need a letter from the county to leave the county of Monroe. So I said, whatever we do today, we’re just going to drive out of Monroe County, because I don’t need a letter to do it,” said Frisch.

— 13 WHAM