21

My oldest turned 21 years old on February 19th.

Really? He's a full fledged adult now. It doesn't really happen at 18. As I've been working I've realized that juvenile programs can keep kids past 18 until they are 21. Of course, he hasn't had that issue, but still . . .

Here is this little boy that I watched come into this world. I held him. I cooed at him. I love him.

At age 6 he came to our home and at age 8 he chose to become a permanent part of our family.

I still remember the conversation. We had just been informed that my sister wasn't capable of doing what she needed to be reunified with him. The state had to work on a permanency plan.

We sat the boys down (Oldest and Monkey Wrench) one at a time and asked them what they wanted to happen. The choices were that Oldest would stay with us or go back to stay with my mom forever. Monkey Wrench said, "Yes!" with no hesitation.

When we sat Oldest down he said he wanted to stay with us. I told him that he would be adopted and he began to cry. He had misunderstood. He didn't realize that being adopted meant staying with us forever.

When he realized that he was staying he was fine.

He has been the big brother ever since.

Now he's working two jobs to get out of debt, save some money, and is dating a wonderful young lady. M Frog is so beautiful inside and out. She has goals. She keeps him on track with his. He adores her and takes her to and from work.

The little boy who resembled a smurf when he was born is now a young man. So amazing.

Happy Birthday Oldest.

I love you VERY much.