CENTER - For years, Jason and Angela Vesely wanted to start a family.
The couple, who farm west of Verdigre, have been married for more than 12 1/2 years and suffered the loss of three babies, including a set of twins, from three previous pregnancies.
They believed their prayers were finally answered last year when they were chosen by the Nebraska Children's Home to adopt a baby from an unwed mother in western Nebraska.
On Oct. 29, the unwed mother gave birth to a 7-pound, 13-ounce boy in North Platte. Four days later, the Veselys took home their new son, whom they named Morgan Jason.
Adding to their joy, Mrs. Vesely was in the early stages of her own pregnancy. The couple said they felt elated.
After so many years without children, they had adopted a beautiful boy and were looking forward to having their own baby.
The grandparents, Marc and Dorothy Mastalir and Jim and Terri Vesely, all of Verdigre, shared in their children's happiness, along with great-grandparents and other relatives.
Since it was an open adoption, the Veselys kept in touch with the birth mother and posted pictures and shared information about Morgan.
They also told family and friends about Mrs. Vesely's pregnancy and the possibility they could have two children.
As it turns out, their joy proved to be short-lived.
Vesely said his wife was asked in early December by the Nebraska Children's Home if she was pregnant. Vesely said they had no reason to deny it. They were thrilled.
Next, the agency said the couple would have to meet in Norfolk on Dec. 12 with agency representatives, Vesely said.
It was at that meeting in Norfolk that they were told by the Nebraska Children's Home that if Mrs. Vesely became pregnant, the placement could be revoked.
Vesely said he and his wife couldn't believe it.
They reviewed all the documents they signed and tried to recall all their conversations with the agency. Both said they don't believe they were ever told that if Mrs. Vesely became pregnant, the placement was off.
It was a frightening thought and caused Mrs. Vesely enormous stress, they said.
Shortly before that meeting in Norfolk, Mrs. Vesely had a pre-natal appointment with her doctor and everything was fine.
But the day afterward, all that changed.
The Veselys had contacted an attorney and filed for temporary guardianship to try to protect their rights. The couple said they felt enormous stress, fearing they could have to battle in court for Morgan.
The stress took its toll as Mrs. Vesely was taken by medical helicopter Dec. 13 to a Sioux Falls hospital.
Marc Mastalir, Mrs. Vesely's father, said there is "absolutely no doubt" that the adoption agency's threat of taking the baby back caused Mrs. Vesely to go into premature labor.
Given her past history with three lost babies, it's unfathomable that the adoption agency would pose such a threat to her while she was pregnant, Mastalir said.
She remained in the hospital at Sioux Falls and was able to hold off giving birth until Dec. 30. That's when she delivered her son, who was named Gage Jaxon.
He weighed 2 pounds, 2 ounces when he was born at about 28 weeks. His weight dipped down to 1 pound, 15 ounces and is now up to 2 pounds, 15 ounces. He has required machines to help him breathe, but all things considered, Gage is doing remarkably well, Mrs. Vesely said.
Mrs. Vesely spends a lot of her time in Sioux Falls caring for Gage. She has to juggle her schedule, with the Mastalirs and other relatives also helping to care for Morgan during times when she is away.
Since Gage's birth, there have been numerous court battles.
"We never did anything wrong," Jason Vesely said. "They (the adoption agency) messed up, and I feel like they are punishing us for that."
Posted: Thursday, February 07, 2008
Article comment by:
Alisha Bartling
Response to the anonomous writer. First of all, do you have a name? Second of all, the NCH has had every right to say their side of the story and has refused. They can't admit they have done something wrong. Yes, people adopt all of the time and the NCH has been great to some people. But in this case, they are cruel, and have messed up and are not ready to admit to that yet. They are spending all kinds of money on legal fees and they are non-profit. So, are your donations going towards children finding homes or towards legal fees to rip babies out of homes?
Posted: Thursday, February 07, 2008
Article comment by:
Alisha Bartling
I have known Jason and Angela for many, many years and these 2 wonderful people are GREAT Parents. Morgan and Gage are very lucky to be in the family that they are and to have each other. I am tired of hearing people say that the whole story has not been told. The story has been told and the NCH has screwed up and doesn't want to admit it. I just don't understand why we have to punish people that have tried so hard to have a family, when we have so many people out in the world that do not deserve children and cannot take care. Go after them!! Leave these people alone and let them raise their family and try to get back to a normal life.
Posted: Monday, February 04, 2008
Article comment by:
Bonita Kopejtka
Morgan has 2 very loving parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and great grandparents and a host of many, many friends that have waited a very, very long time for his arrival only to have ALL their fears return and their dreams shattered in a split second. Unless you have experienced infertility, miscarriages and all the emotional rollercoaster of trying to have a baby of your own, ONLY then can you criticize. SHAME on the Anonomous person who in actuality should make himself/herself known. It's obvious the Nebraska Children's Home and whoever else maybe involved are trying to get themselves out of a pickle they put themselves into. If being pregnant is a criteria NOT to be able to adopt, then it should of been in BLACK & WHITE right from the start. I only wish the best for Jason & Angela and their new family. All MY LOVE!
Posted: Sunday, February 03, 2008
Article comment by:
Tracy Howell
This is in response to "annomous" who is obviously someone from NCH. First of all, I have no problem in putting my name out there regarding my feelings, and I DO represent many people who DO have ALL OF THE FACTS. (It is rather cowardly to refer to yourself as "annonomous") I have been close to Angela & Jason my entire life. These parents did NOT "screw up" as "annonomous" states, but maybe NCH "screwed up". This is quite obvious to anyone with a soul. Regardless of whom you feel is to blame, is it logical for this burden to lie on the shoulders of the innocent baby & allow him to pay the price? To give up the only parents he has ever known? Tear him away from parents who have BONDED with him, who HE has bonded with and he loves? It is CRUEL to even think NCH would take away this baby from his mommy & daddy & brother & extended family. I speak for MANY PEOPLE, when I say that NCH has lost a lot of respect for this suggestion. And maybe if NCH would respond when media questions them, they would be able to tell "their side" of the story.
Posted: Saturday, February 02, 2008
Article comment by:
Wilma Vakoc
This is in response to the comments made by anonomous. I have known Angela and Jason all my life and I assure you that I do know the facts in this case. I'm sure the NCH has arranged many successful adoptions but in this case, I would beg them to reconsider what they are doing to this family. How is it in the child's best interest to rip him out of the only home he has ever known??!!!! I will continue to pray that this family be allowed to stay together.
