A Day to Remember
The question was easy enough. But I couldn't answer it. Waves of emotions swept over me and I was unable to speak. I didn't have to, though, because the Judge could see my face.
The question: Why do you want to adopt Cici?
The answer: Because every child deserves to have a father. But that would have been just the beginning. Because I love her. Because she is a wonderful daughter. Because she loves our family just as I love our family. Because I am so proud of her. Because when you approve the adoption she will become a Citizen of the United States. Because I don't want her to feel abandoned any longer.
So the tears in my eyes and my inability speak had to convey those thoughts and feelings to the Judge. I reached out and drew Cici close to me with one arm, and did the same with Ping in my other arm. The Judge understood exactly how I felt and what I was feeling and why I wanted to adopt Cici.. She approved the adoption, to the delight of a courtroom full of people. They didn't even seem to mind waiting while the Judge invited us to join her for photos.
We gave the Judge a copy of our book. She asked us if we would sign it for her, and told us that we had made her day.
So our lives have been forever changed by this day we will never forget.
The question: Why do you want to adopt Cici?
The answer: Because every child deserves to have a father. But that would have been just the beginning. Because I love her. Because she is a wonderful daughter. Because she loves our family just as I love our family. Because I am so proud of her. Because when you approve the adoption she will become a Citizen of the United States. Because I don't want her to feel abandoned any longer.
So the tears in my eyes and my inability speak had to convey those thoughts and feelings to the Judge. I reached out and drew Cici close to me with one arm, and did the same with Ping in my other arm. The Judge understood exactly how I felt and what I was feeling and why I wanted to adopt Cici.. She approved the adoption, to the delight of a courtroom full of people. They didn't even seem to mind waiting while the Judge invited us to join her for photos.
We gave the Judge a copy of our book. She asked us if we would sign it for her, and told us that we had made her day.
So our lives have been forever changed by this day we will never forget.



Congrats Papa Lee, I know exactly how you felt in that court room and how you are feeling right now.
I am very happy for you, Ping and most of all for Cici because now she has a Papa that the USA says is her Papa, it's been a long time coming for her not to forget all the other benifits that come along with you being her legal Papa, Happy birthday Angela.
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Congratulations Angela and Lee! You two totally deserve this precious joyful moments. Very very exciting! I am very happy for both of you.
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Very moving, Lee. This gives me much to look forward to in the coming year as our family comes together. Keep writing, and I will keep reading
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Lee! Ping! Cici (ne Angela) This is so great! Congratulations to all of you! As you know, I have been following your story since your first thread at CFL. But, now...a big milestone! One of many to come, I am sure, but nonetheless....huge! OK Angela...time to step up and take your bows! Honor student, American Citizen, Daughter of a proud Papa!
Lee...take a break...look back at what only one year has accomplished...sit down, Man! Breathe! Breathe! ...and enjoy!
Ping...this is all your doing...maybe Lee did most of the work, maybe Cici drove herself to achieve everything...but YOU...you were the quiet, muse, and motivation for it all...HAHAHA.....Lee never had a chance, did he! There is just no escaping your aura, your force, your giving heart!
Congratulations again to you all!
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Thanks Larry. Very nice comment, and we appreciate your interest and support. Yes, our little family has come a long way. As I continue working on Discovering Angela, I am often surprised by all that has happened over the past year. I am glad I wrote it down as it was happening.
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