November 28, 2013

A happy ending for Little Biker Boy

Little Biker Boy was seven years old when he moved into the little trailer down the street. For two years, he and his little sister visited my house just about every single day, staying until dark. I suspected right away they were living in an abusive situation, but I could do little about it, except to give them a safe place to come to when they needed it. I talked to caseworkers at Child Protective Services, but it seemed there was little they could do either. A smart blog reader suggested that I teach Biker Boy my phone number, and I did.

Three years ago, Biker Boy’s family was evicted from the trailer. His mother moved several times, first in with one boyfriend, then another. His sister and little brother disappeared: I was told they went off to live in another town with the sister’s father. Eventually, Little Biker Boy’s mother gave him up. Little Biker Boy moved to one foster home, then another.

During these years, Biker Boy would call me whenever he could. And I’d go pick up, wherever he was. We’d get a slice of pizza, or go for a walk outside somewhere, or go to the store to buy him whatever he needed. Once in foster care, he at least had a team of people working to help him. I had long talks with his newest caseworker and his therapist.

It was just about a year ago that a most wonderful thing happened. A young couple, looking to adopt a child, chose Little Biker Boy. He and I spent an afternoon looking at the photo album they’d put together, and he spent an evening playing board games with them, while his caseworker and therapist were present. Then, they began spending time together on a regular basis. Last spring, he moved in with them.

I couldn’t have picked a better situation for Little Biker Boy. His adoptive mother is a warm, genuine person with lots of energy. His adoptive father is an outdoorsy guy who happily takes Biker Boy fishing and camping. They live in a small town on the edge of a lake, about 40 minutes from my house. His adoptive father grew up in the town, so everyone knows the family and can keep an eye out for Biker Boy. In fact, his parents live next door, eager to be grandparents.

I have been so excited about this situation working out that I’ve been holding my breath, impatient for the adoption to go through. I was afraid to even write about my visits to Little Biker Boy on the blog, scared that I might jinx something. (The foster agency had rules about how his adoptive mother couldn’t put photos of him on facebook so I did think maybe I shouldn’t post anything on the internet either, even if it’s anonymous.)

But finally, it happened. The adoption is official. Little Biker Boy has a family now, who love him and treat him well. It’s appropriate, I think, that this all happened late in November because I am very, very thankful.

52 comments:

Melissa Sarno said...

Oh! This is the most wonderful Thanksgiving news. So happy for you and biker boy : )

Anonymous said...

De-lurking to say -- HURRAY!!!!

Joan

Rhonda said...

What wonderful news, and definitely cause for thanksgiving today.

JM said...

That's awesome.

Jenipurr said...

Oh, that is such wonderful news! So very happy and relieved for him!

Cindy said...

That's wonderful!

Bardiac said...

Beautiful news!

a/k/a Nadine said...

How wonderful! So happy to hear this news.

Lorianne said...

Wonderful, and perfectly timed for Thanksgiving.

Carolyn Schriber said...

I'm in tears. Couldn't ask for better news on this day.

Anonymous said...

I'm misty-eyed too. Wonderful, wonderful news. And thank you for all you did to help.

H.

sndmaven said...

Oh my word. Had been wondering about LBB, and hoping his situation was truly improving. This is the best possible news and I'm so, so happy to hear it. I know this isn't why you shared these stories about him, but thank you for being a constant presence he could count on.

Anonymous said...

Thankful too. Yay!

JS said...

That is wonderful news. I've read about your experiences with Little Biker Boy and have hoped good things would happen for him. It seems to me you were one of the first good things to happen to him, now this. The world is sometimes better than I think.

suz said...

So so pleased to hear this. Your stories about hi have reduced me to tears more than once. Hope you will be able to continue to be part of his life...

Zhoen said...

So, so glad. He wasn't fortunate in his initial kin, but after that, well, it got better.

Val said...

Oh, jo(e)! ♥ Bless you and everyone who's helped him reach this point.

elswhere said...

So very very happy to read this news.

Jody said...

That is very good news. My thoughts will be with them.

Anonymous said...

This is wonderful. Thank you for sharing this outcome, and the whole story. I want to adopt one day soon, and this is heartwarming.

Jennifer said...

A far, far better ending to the story than I feared would be the case, a huge cause for celebration.
Did little Pony-tail disappear completely?

jo(e) said...

Jennifer: She hasn't disappeared completely. She lives in another town with her father, which means I don't have any access to her. Little Biker Boy still has some contact with her -- and so I get some info from him, but it's really limited.

I wish her situation was different.

sheepish said...

This is really wonderful. I hope his life continues to get better and better.

Anonymous said...

Best. Thanksgiving. Post. Ever.

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for sharing. I think of him from time to time. He deserves the happiness that is in store for him.

Anonymous said...

This is such wonderful news. I hope LBB feels safe and loved always.

Anonymous said...

So happy for LBB!

Cathy in Toronto

Phil said...

Sweet. I was afraid that you were on a course to have your heart broken when you first started harboring them. Congratulations on being the village. It's an inspiration

ajowen said...

So happy to hear this! Glad to know the system sometimes works out well for the people it is meant to serve!

Liz Miller said...

Hooray!! Such wonderful news!!

kathy a. said...

Yay, Biker Boy! This is the best news!! I am so grateful and relieved, from afar.

museyme said...

So happy for LBB!

What Now? said...

What wonderful news -- much to be thankful for indeed! Bless you for the love and care that you have given him -- surely one of the things that helped him hang on until this happy ending -- and bless him and his new family.

Anonymous said...

I remember him! I'm so happy for him! I want so much to be that adoptive family, but circumstances and a reluctant husband prevent it. I still wish for it and long for it every day. xo

Anonymous said...

Amazing

susan said...

What wonderful news! I hope his sister ends up safe, too. But oh, that is wonderful for him.

Michelle said...

Grace abounds. What a wonderful way to begin Advent, a child finds a home...love made flesh.

Paige said...

Oh, I'm so glad.

Anonymous said...

I always remember how you told LBB that he was like your sons, that he was kind and gentle and loving, and would grow up to be a good man like your sons. I imagine others have said less kind things to LBB. I'm so glad he had the gift of your presence and words.

Ianqui said...

Thanks for telling us this. Maybe especially since I had my own son, I've had my fingers cross for LBB. I was first thankful that at least he had you, and now I'm thankful that he has a family he can have forever. I hope he's happy too.

annette said...

Beautiful...simply that.

readersguide said...

Oh, this is wonderful. Thanks for letting us know. Oh, hooray. (And I wish for better for Pony Tail and the little brother, too.)

Rana said...

Oh, so happy for you both!

Lomagirl said...

Wonderful, wonderful. Thank you Jo(e) for keeping up with this. I think it is the prayers and love of you and your readers that has contributed to his happy beginning. Now, I pray good news for ponytail girl and their little brother.

Anonymous said...

So very happy!

Sarah Sometimes said...

What heartwarming news! I am so grateful that things have worked out for LBB.

TC said...

Oh, wonderful. Please tell LBB that lots of people are smiling at his happy ending...or, rather, his happy beginning.

Mary Stebbins Taitt said...

WOW! That's fabulous, it made me cry!!!!!

Diane said...

Prayers of thanksgiving here. And I will keep Ponytail in my prayers -- that she may too have a happy ending.

Teri said...

yay! thank you so much for sharing this good news. Hoping Ponytail has a turn for the better in her story one day soon. So grateful for your presence in their lives.

Cara said...

Fantastic news!

chicago foodie girl said...

Oh, jo(e)... this is such fantastic news! I'm so happy there's a such a lovely ending for LBB!