Shannon Culkeen encountered her future adoptee while serving as a mentor to young individuals transitioning out of homelessness in Peterborough, Ontario. She first met Cheyenne, a resilient teenager with a commanding presence, who fiercely protected her bag of Cheetos. Shannon took Cheyenne on extended drives to deepen their bond, learning about her aspirations, musical preferences, and love for glittery decorative pillows. Their connection endured over time, with Shannon supporting Cheyenne through milestones like high school graduation, her first powwow dance, post-secondary education choices, and a health crisis.
Upon applying to become a foster parent, Shannon realized she had evolved beyond a mentor and considered Cheyenne as her own child. Living in close proximity, they co-adopted a puppy named Bruno and continued their tradition of daily drives to discuss life and future aspirations. Cheyenne, now 20, is on the path to legally becoming Shannon’s daughter through an upcoming legal process.
In Canada, adult adoption regulations differ across provinces, with Ontario allowing it through mutual consent and documentation. Shannon and Cheyenne were unaware of this option until they researched it independently. Despite initial challenges in the foster care system, they urge others to explore adult adoption as a means to form lasting family bonds. Formalizing their relationship through adoption not only grants legal rights but also signifies a lifelong commitment to love and support.
For Cheyenne, the adoption brings reassurance that their bond transcends temporary circumstances, offering stability and unconditional acceptance. Shannon’s parents will formally become Cheyenne’s grandparents, solidifying their familial ties for generations to come. The adoption signifies a profound pledge of enduring care and affection, reflected in practical matters like hospital visitation rights and inheritance claims.
The decision to adopt Cheyenne was akin to a parental proposal for Shannon, who nervously broached the subject during a momentous drive. Overwhelmed by emotion, Shannon eventually mustered the courage to ask Cheyenne, who immediately embraced the idea of being adopted. The commitment was further reinforced as Cheyenne decided to include ‘Culkeen’ in her surname, signifying her lasting bond with Shannon. Additionally, Shannon plans to commemorate their daily coffee rituals with a tattoo, symbolizing their shared journey.
Originally aired in November 2020, the adoption process between Shannon and Cheyenne has since been finalized, cementing their unique and enduring bond.