“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

I had to take the witness stand to reverse the court's image of me as a person that would abandon a small child without any concern for their well-being, based on the aunt's description of me. I testified. Findings reversed. I'm better for having gone through this process.

I miss MLRA. But, things are moving ahead. He is now in preschool with his new foster family. They appeared to be enamored with him and he is doing well. His foster dad is a social worker so he seems to be where he needs to be. His foster mom is a stay-at-home mom. He needs that constant supervision. He will be raised Mormon. The Mormon religion is a strong advocate against drinking and smoking. Hopefully, this is where he will thrive.

I am now in a better place. I do believe (once again) that things happen for a reason and that all this was meant to happen to put MLRA in the place he needs to be to have a decent life. I hope to be a part of his life but that is up to the foster family and his about to be adopted family. I have finally taken his car seat out of my car. My friends told me it was a bit creepy that I drove around with it in my back seat. I guess it was. The next step is his room. We will be sending him his boxes and boxes of toys.

I hope all continues to go well for him.