One man’s voice Thoughts, rants and commentary from a husband, father of five and professional web geek

A nine year old’s first birthday

My nephew, Antonio, just turned nine years old recently. To celebrate, my sister threw him a birthday party. Many of his cousins were there and it was as regular a birthday party as there is.

Under normal circumstances that wouldn't mean much. Except Antonio, and his brother Adrian, are not living under what you would call "normal circumstances". You see, they were adopted into our family last year.

My sister and brother-in-law had been wanting to adopt for a while. They found a wonderful family of children that they were able to adopt, and after a heart wrenching episode with the boys' sister being moved back to the grandparents' home, the boys were settled in.

Now they are part of the family. Part of my sister's immediate family and part of the extended family for the rest of us.

To get back to the birthday party, this was the first real birthday party for Antonio. His life, like that of his brother and sister, has been very hard. Harder than any child's young life should be.

But they have found a home with my sister and my sister, much like my mother was, is a homemaker to just about anyone. These kids are blessed to have a mom like her. And she is blessed to have kids like them.

You see, my sister, not unlike many people nowadays, is experiencing the financial crunch of a carptastic economy and savage housing market. Things are dark all over. But in that darkness she shone a light to her son in setting up, preparing and throwing a great birthday party for him.

He had a great time (as was evidenced by the shreaking and screaming that was prevalent throughout the day), his cousins had a great time and the day was awesome.

To my nehpew Antonio, I am glad my family and I were a part of this day for you. You deserve it mijo. I am glad you had a great day.