IT'S FINAL!

We thought this day would never arrive.

We stayed just a few blocks from the courthouse and enjoyed the down hill walk. We were first on the docket at 8:15.

We were first to get to the courtroom. The marble hallway shined. We were met by a lady with a clipboard, proving her authority, in hand. After we checked in, other families filled the hall, excited, knowing that today marked the first day a new kind of life.

We went into the courtroom and were sworn in. The judge greeted us with a broad smile on her face. Her greeting put us at ease, but her robes conveyed authority. She was a matron with state authority to put families together. She spoke to us tenderly and solemnly. We stated our names. She asked us if all the information was true. She authorized an order. She made Allie our daughter. The charming and beautiful Susan and my emotions melted. We weren't expecting that. We didn't know what to expect.