Seven Again

We are blessed with five adopted children ranging in age from 23 to 5. Throughout the years we have also collected several other children. These kids, for one reason or another, have either lived with us or somehow become an integral part of our lives. They feel like family and so they ARE family. We call them our heart kids.

Most of them are old enough to live on their own now. Some already have kids. Some are, like toddlers, just taking their first tremulous steps into the adult world while we watch, arms outstretched, ready to catch them should they tumble.

Billy is one of our heart kids. Originally, he stayed behind when we made the big move out to Georgia, wisely avoiding the cross-country trek. During that time he stayed with a friend of the family, volunteered at a school, and kept up with his physical therapy sessions (he's recovering from a broken leg - long story/short landing). A month ago, he asked to join us.

Last Wednesday, Andriana and I flew back to California to collect our four cats and Billy. We returned to Atlanta International Airport at 6:00 Tuesday morning. We were a sight to behold! Billy hobbled on crutches, while Andriana and I, bleary-eyed, wrinkled, and grumpy, toted several overstuffed suitcases and four bewildered cats. Thankfully, my husband collected us all and we were soon on our way home.

Home. It feels a little more complete once more. We are seven in the home again. Our four cats have staked their domains. Billy has started working at the school where I teach. We're signing him up for music lessons. He's planning to start college next semester. We're thrilled he's with us. Welcome, Billy!