The Final Adoption: The Great White Owl

Matthew and his twin sister, Marianna, were excited. This was their final adoption court hearing. They did not want to return to foster care. The clean, well-dressed, six-year old children appeared happy as they sat with their parents-to-be in the front row of the courtroom.

“Children, I want to speak to you, alone,” said the family court judge. “Come.”

The couple filing for adoption, nodded.

“The judge looks like a great white owl,” whispered Matthew, as they followed him.

“With a tiny beak,” replied Marianna, smiling.

Suddenly, they became serious, as this was important.

“You have been in many, different, foster homes for children so young,” said the judge. He pulled up a big, leather chair beside them. “Is there something important you want to tell me, Matthew?”

“We don’t want to keep moving.”

“What about you, Marianna?”

“We are happy where we are.”

“That's what I want to hear. Tell me about a day at your home. What's it like?”

“Mom and dad get us up early to help with the chores before breakfast,” said Matthew.

“I feed the dog and cat,” said Marianna. “Mom takes us to the school bus.”

“She is there when we come home,” said Matthew. “We do more chores and help with supper. We eat when dad gets home from work. Then, our homework and we go for a walk together before bedtime.”

“Dad tells us about Mexico and how they escaped across the border,” said Marianna.

“Dad and mom had guys with guns chasing them,” said Matthew. “They ran and hid in a church basement.”

“Interesting,” said the judge, peering at them, over the top of his spectacles.

“I did not see anything about Mexico in the adoption notes,” he thought to himself. “Children always reveal the truth.”

“Please be seated,” said the judge, when they returned to the courtroom, moments later. “I am ready to make my final adoption ruling.”