Jason's Adoption

The morning after a March Nor'Easter we stood in a crowd waiting for the courthouse to open.

Friends and family from as far as Lousiana braved the cold with us for this moment that was years in the making but would take only minutes.

The social worker who educated and licensed us as foster parents, first told us of our son, and walked with us through his first months at home came to be with us.

The social worker who advocated for Jason for the past two years and told us when this day would be was also present.

The Judge directed her questions to Sophia. "How old are you?" and "How old is your brother?"

Jason was given his adoption certificate to sign.

We were told purple is the color of adoption and Jason got to keep the purple pen that lights up.

To make it official, the gavel was hit three times, first by the Judge, then by Sophia, and finally by the little boy who now has a very long name. 

His lavender bow tie was lent to us by a friend who has a heart for adoption and has been a strong supporter of our family.

We were surrounded by loving cheerleaders.

After the ceremony, our crew of 15 shared lunch at the cafe across the street. 

Jason loved going from table to table to visit.

He fell asleep on the drive home and slept in past 7:00 the following morning, something which almost never happens. 

We hadn't really talked with Sophia about what the day meant, but her prayer that night was, "Thank you that my brother and me are now official brother and sister."

In addition to a new last name, the Judge gave Jason a teddy bear, but he seemed to like the lollipops she gave him the best.

He is loved by the Mother who gave him life and by the many he has met since that day.

May he always feel secure in the love that is his. We are so fortunate to belong to him.