For most teenagers, turning 18 is all about celebrating freedom. But for Roman Nehemiah, it meant something far more important—a family to call his own.
Just hours before his milestone birthday, the Florida teen was officially adopted by Brad and Renee Balassaitis, finally securing the love and stability he had been missing for years.
The adoption took place on October 17 at the Clay County Historic Courthouse, about 40 miles from Jacksonville. Roman joined an already big and loving household, becoming the ninth child Brad and Renee have adopted, alongside their two biological kids.
In a heartwarming video shared by First Coast News, Brad couldn’t contain his joy. “We were just hours away from him turning 18,” he said. “We started this process months ago, making sure he wouldn’t age out and become a statistic.”
A Long Road to Family
Roman’s journey wasn’t easy. He entered Florida’s foster care system at just 11 years old and bounced between 19 different homes. At 12, he briefly lived with the Balassaitis family for nine months but wasn’t ready for adoption then.
Still, they never lost touch. In August 2022, Roman reconnected with them, first in an unofficial way, then later moving back in as a foster child. “It’s been about 14 months since he came back, and now it’s official,” Brad shared.
Then came Christmas morning last year—the day everything changed. Brad and Renee sat him down and told him they were making it permanent. Roman’s reaction? Pure joy.
The Emotional Adoption Day
Adopting from foster care is no quick process. It involves training, home studies, background checks, and months of paperwork. Brad and Renee started in January 2023, and in October 2023, after a long wait, Roman’s adoption was finalized over Zoom.
The moment was overwhelming. “I was sweating so bad. My heart was racing,” Roman recalled. “But I was so happy. It means I have someone to go to. It means if I need to talk, I have people now.”
Renee, his new mom, couldn’t be prouder. She told First Coast News that Roman, who loves fishing and off-roading with friends, just needed one thing—someone to believe in him. “He’s going to do so well. He needed to know he was wanted and chosen. That’s a big deal.”
Since adoption day, she’s noticed a change in him. “It’s like a huge weight has been lifted off his shoulders,” she told Today News. “You can see it in the way he moves—he’s walking lighter.”
After years of uncertainty, Roman finally got the best birthday present ever—a place to belong.
Share the Love
Stories like Roman’s remind us of the power of love and second chances. Know someone who’d be touched by this journey? Share it with them! ❤️
