a boy on a bike

There once was a boy who decided he was going to take control of his own life. At the age of 17, he decided to end the emotional, mental and physical abuse of his surroundings. He cleaned the house one last time, wrote a note to his sister and step-dad, packed a few things into a backpack and rode his bicycle as fast as he could... away from the address he occupied for 12 consecutive years. This boy's journey had just begun, even with the support of a young couple who took him into their home, he had to believe in himself. He had to build trust and learn to navigate his emotions as well as gain self-esteem, self-worth and confidence. There was work to be done in all aspects of his life: he needed to somehow register his own birth, apply for his birth certificate, acquire his health card, finish high school, apply for his social insurance number, take his driver's license, find a job, and save money for a means of transportation. The list was overwhelming and daydreaming about things like college or travelling was best suited for characters in books and movies. The fear of making mistakes or causing any trouble left him worried and anxious; a constant uneasiness wondering when the rug may be pulled out from under him. The young couple he was staying with helped him sort through all of his feelings, advocated for his documentation, and promised to financially support him. The boy began to thrive, improving each day. He didn't see it coming when he was given the choice to be adopted. The young married couple did not have any children and the three of them had become a family without even trying. It was another hurdle, the boy was 18 at the time, making it an adult adoption. This meant two separate lawyers and a number of hoops to jump through but the risk was worth the reward. Rare as they are, the adult adoption was granted. A boy who lived 17 years without a single piece of identification now happily applied for a second birth certificate in less than a year. He was given a fresh new start, a new family to love him and a new last name. He graduated high school, bought himself a dirt bike, a motorcycle and then a car (or two). He travelled to places like Portugal, visited Florida, and even moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for a year where he graduated top of his class in a college program. Now he lives on his own with his fiance. The boy has become a man and that man is our son. On this day, May 30, 2017; he pedalled his bicycle away from his past and started putting time and energy into himself and his future 💙

Current photo: our son and future daughter-in-law (Jan 2024)