Introduction:

Welcome, dear readers, to a special edition of "On The Creek" as we celebrate National Adoption Month! In the spirit of giving thanks, I'm thrilled to share a story that holds a special place in my heart—the remarkable journey of our son, Braxton, finding his forever home with us.

The Start of Our Foster Parent Adventure

In 2019, our journey as foster parents began, and it was a momentous step in our lives. Fast forward to 2020, and our lives were forever changed when we welcomed a little ray of sunshine named Braxton into our home as a foster placement. By 2021, we were signing those significant adoption papers, making our bond official and forever.

The journey of adopting Braxton through the foster care system has been a rollercoaster of emotions, love, legalities, and life-changing moments. Join us as we share the highlights of this heartwarming journey.

Navigating the Tough Decisions at the Crossroads

Our path to adoption wasn't without its challenges. Braxton entered our lives at a time of intensity, with the weighty term "termination of parental rights" looming on the horizon. We faced tough decisions and uncertainties, but our determination to provide a loving and stable home for Braxton remained unwavering.

The Forever Home: Where Love Reigns Supreme

Adopting a child is far more than just a legal process; it's a profound decision rooted in love. For Braxton, it meant finding his "forever home," a place where he could thrive, grow, and bask in unconditional love. We transformed our house into a loving haven for Braxton, and it redefined our family.

A New Chapter: Our Life as a Forever Family

Despite the legal intricacies, our adoption journey marked the beginning of a beautiful chapter—our life as a forever family. It's a story of resilience, love, and the enduring bond that has united us.

Conclusion:

As we celebrate National Adoption Month, I invite you to join me in spreading love and awareness. Please share your own adoption or foster care stories with us in the comments below or on social media using #OnTheCreekBlog. Together, let's celebrate the power of adoption and the incredible journeys that bring families together during this special month.

Thank you for being a part of our journey, and I can't wait to share more with you on "On The Creek." Stay tuned for more heartwarming stories and creative pursuits.

Today was our 15th wedding anniversary.

We were one of those cutesy couples who got married on 09.08.07.

I spent the day keeping myself busy, so I wouldn't have to think about our anniversary so much. Of course, it didn't work.

I can't help but wonder where we would be if James was still here.

Our "honeymoon" was an overnight trip to a small town in Maryland & we always talked about going back there. I wonder if this would have been the year. I remember we ate at this beautiful Italian restaurant in town.

Instead, I spent the day hiding from the fact that my life would never be the same. That the marriage & life James & I worked to build is gone.

Our little Tony YorkiePoo passed away over the weekend.

He was 13 years old.

He came to us as a little fluff with a huge attitude & stayed that way his entire life.

He loved his squeaky toy & barking at the vacuum. Cleaning won't be the same without him!

Say hi to James & Rain for me.

After almost 15 months, we can finally share our son with the world!  His adoption was finalized a couple weeks ago & we couldn't be happier.

It was a perfect fit from the moment he entered our home in September 2020.

The week the judge terminated parental rights was the same week we found out James had cancer.  We didn't know what the future would hold for us but we were still dedicated to adopting Braxton.

I'm so thankful that Braxton got to know James.  I'm also so angry that we didn't have more time together as a family.

Even though life has thrown me a devastating curve ball, I'm dedicated to raising this little boy.