Happy Birthday Young Man!!

At the end of December Antonio had his 22nd birthday!

A cookie his massage therapist made for him!

He was one of the children that did not come into our home as an infant.  Our daughter Faith Anne had just passed away and I was filled with grief.  I had a very hard time with it all and spent much of my time escaping on the internet, trying to learn more about special needs children and the diagnosis that Faith Anne  had.  I stumbled upon My Turn Now.  The adoption site for our state, Georgia.  I was blown away that there were children, nation wide, that were wards of the state.  That had no parental rights over them and were just waiting for homes.  I stumbled upon Antonio's page and was very drawn to him.  Below is the picture that was on his waiting list page.

We requested more information about him and learned all about his diagnosis and history.  He had been in care since the day he was born, up for adoption his whole life and no one ever tried to adopt him.  I fully believe that the Lord gave us Antonio to bless our home and also help me navigate the deep sorrow of the death of our daughter.  Antonio is such a wonderful person.  That little five year old brought us a lot of joy from the day we met him.  He was moved to our home and six months later we adopted him and made him our son.  Carolyn and Antonio shared an adoption day.

He fit in seamlessly and was just one of the gang!

He had never left down town Atlanta in his whole life, so experienced a lot of firsts with us.  Like going fishing, to the zoo, museum or going to the ocean.

Or going to Disney.

He absolutely loved being in a large active family.

Loved having his own dad for the first time in his life.

He was and is, just so loved by us all.

 His personality was always positive and upbeat before his Botox overdose, his smile rarely left his face.

He loves me and prays for me and everyone he knows.

He loves to bowl...

and be in the middle of everything going on.

He loved it when we started adopting little ones.  He is the best big brother!

He loves meeting up and going places with extended family!  Like his papa and nana. (Tim's dad below)

God is so good to have blessed us with this child of ours.  Antonio has grown into a fine young man and is one of the kindest and best of men I know.

For his birthday he wanted Aunt "S" to make him a Bob the Builder cake.  She always does such wonderful work.  It made his day.

 Isaiah 41:10  Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

May God in heaven give you health and long life.  May He hold you in His powerful hand keeping you safe and well.  You are a true blessing and we love you dearly!

Love Always and Forever, Dad, mom. Stephen, William, Carolyn, Zeke, Elizabeth, Billy, Timothy, Kinsley and Anna-Kate