Love Of My Life

Somebody To Love - May 7, 2017

Photo of Courthouse in Vancouver, BC.

Recommended song - Somebody to love by Queen

Sunday May 7, 2017

Tyler's POV

Tyler knew something was up. Both Debbie's parents and Peter's parents had come for supper AND they were dressed up. Debbie had been nervous all day and Peter kept whispering to Debbie. Simon and Tyler exchanged looks and both knew something was going on.

They all had Sunday dinner together and it was with the good China and a roast instead of the usual pizza for Sunday supper. Finally Debbie and Peter called everyone into the family room. It was obvious that Debbie and Peters parents knew what was going on by the smiles on their faces.

After a few tense moments of waiting for Peter to say something, it was finally Debbie who spoke.

"Boys. You are so precious to us. We are so proud of each of you and think of you as our sons. To us there is no distinction, you are our sons. It would be our honor if you accepted us as your parents legally and we would love to adopt you. We are waiting for the legal stuff to be settled with Kevin and Jeff". She said looking at them smiling, "then we can formally adopt you too". Tyler was confused. What was she saying. They wanted to adopt us, he wondered. They must have read his mind when Peter acknowledged the three other boys. "Shane's papers were finally approved last week. We would love to adopt you boys. What do you say?".

They didn't hesitate for even a moment. "Yes!!" They exclaimed with excitement.

The boys didn't even know that Debbie and Peter were even considering adopting them, let alone the fact that they had applied and had waited over a year for all of the legalities to be dealt with. Tyler's adoption had been approved months before but they felt it would be even more meaningful for him to share it with Shane and Simon. They were right.

Kevin and Jeff were reassured that as soon as they were legally able to, they would adopt them as well. There were a lot of tears shed, mostly happy but they each grieved the finality of closure with their birth parents in their own way.

For Tyler, it was a welcome relief, like he could exhale finally after a decade of being in the system. He sobbed when he realized that he really was truly loved enough to be adopted by the two amazing people that had been his parents longer than his biological parents had been. Of course he was happy, but it was a lot of emotions for the 16 year old to process all at once.

He couldn't believe that Shane and Simon would be his brothers, they were already, but legally, it was a big deal. Debbie and Peter would be his forever family and he wouldn't have to agonize about losing them when he turned 18. It was a dream come true.

He couldn't wait to share the news with his friends who were equally excited. Phone calls of congratulations kept him on the phone most of the evening. One person remained in his head- Mr. Myles. He couldn't wait to tell him the great news tomorrow. First thing. Tyler slept well that night.

************************************

Benjamin's POV

Monday May 8, 2017

Benjamin watched in surprise to see Tyler come bounding into his classroom.

"Hey Tyler, what's up?" He asked surprised to see him before the bell rang.

"Guess what? Oh never mind you will never guess!!" Tyler said breathlessly.

Benjamin laughed heartily. "Nope. You should just tell me".

"I am getting adopted!" Tyler bounced on his heels in excitement.

"That's so awesome Tyler! I am so happy for all of you. Do you have to go to the courthouse?"

"Yeah. On Friday at 2. Shane and Simon too. I'm so happy. They are waiting for legal stuff for Kevin and Jeff then they will adopt them too".

Benjamin was thrilled for him. He didn't know the circumstances of why he was in foster care but had met Debbie and Peter at "No Strings Attached" performances several times and he knew that Tyler was absolutely adored by his family.

"This is just the best news Tyler. Do you mind if I share this with the teachers? They could always use some good news.

"Be my guest Mr. Myles. I want to tell the world. See ya later!" As quick as Tyler entered the class he exited just as dramatically. Benjamin looked at the time and smiled. He had a few minutes before class started to make a phone call and talk to some teachers. He had a plan to make Fridays visit to the courthouse even more memorable.

***************************************

Friday May 12, 2017

Benjamin was impressed at how they managed to pull this off with just four days to practice and plan. He had called Debbie and asked permission and asked her to keep him busy after school for the week so he wouldn't be suspicious about club activity that he wasn't participating in. Benjamin talked to the principal who was enthusiastic about the plan, in fact everyone wanted to help out in some way. He couldn't have pulled it off without all of the assistance he got. Finally Friday had arrived.

They bussed the participating students to the courthouse where they met with Shane's grade three class and teacher and also Simon's football teammates from middle school. Peter and Debbie were to arrive any minute with the boys. There was a large crowd with balloons and congratulations signs waiting for them at the courthouse.

Finally they arrived and the boys looked shocked at the group that had assembled just for them. Before they could say a word the Guitar Club began to play, all smiling at the boys. Cassandra and Becka sang the first line.

Can anybody find me somebody to love

The 40 member school choir softly joined in.

Ooh, each morning I get up I die a little
Can barely stand on my feet
(Take a look at yourself) Take a look in the mirror and cry (and cry)
Lord, what you're doing to me (yeah yeah)
I have spent all my years in believing you
But I just can't get no relief, Lord!
Somebody (somebody) ooh somebody (somebody)
Can anybody find me somebody to love?.....

Liam had a guitar solo, Jeff's class sang and Simon's teammates contributed to the clapping part. It was a beautiful moment for everyone.

Benjamin watched Tyler and his family and he marvelled at how close they were and so happy to have been a part of their celebration. Moments like that kept his sadness at bay and for that he would keep fighting the overwhelming depression that was lurking frighteningly close.