The room went silent. The judge nodded and said she’d give her decision soon.
Six weeks later, the official adoption papers arrived.
We celebrated with cheap takeout and a loud movie she insisted we watch. Halfway through, she rested her head on my shoulder and whispered, “Thanks for never giving up on me.”
I told her the truth — the thought never once crossed my mind.
Here’s what I know now: biology makes you related. Showing up makes you a parent. Love is what makes a family.
And sometimes the most meaningful title in your life is the one a child chooses for you.
