Jonny's parents died in a fatal car crash when he was only two years old.  His only living relatives reside in Munich Germany.  The grandparents decided it would be better for Jonny to remain in the United states.  They were adamantly against raising a biracial child.  Stern and set in their ways, even an axe could not break loose the hardness and hatred they have allowed to penetrate the inner depth of their souls.  They were furious when their only daughter fell madly in love with an African American serviceman.  The daugther married against her parents will and later moved to the Unted States with her husband.  Two years later Jonny was born.

Jonny's happy demeanor was short-lived, his heart began to race as he reluctantly went downstairs to face one last time his foster mom of two years.  He absolutely detested Mrs.  Bellamy's daily lectures about being abandoned by his German grandparents.  "Aint't you a lucky little bastard, she would say to him, your own flesh and blood did not want you, so be thankful you have a roof over your head and food to eat."
Driven by greed, Mrs. Bellamy provided very little emotional support to the four foster children in her care.  Her daily routine consisted of some form of verbal abuse and getting the children off to school.  Her ugly character matched her physical appearance.  Her hair sat on top of her head like a stringy mop, her skin resembled a dried up apricot. Her cigarette stained fingers looked jaundiced.  " Go fetch your things, she screeched to Jonny, today is my lucky day, you are moving in with your new parents."

Dr. Booth and his wife Rachel are both specialists in the field of child psychology.  They decided to adopt an older brother for their seven year old twin girls.  After trying for five consecutive years to have a boy, they both  decided to adopt instead.  During the pre-adoption matching process they met Jonny and instantly fell in love with him.  They were moved with a deep compassion when they learned about Jonny's unfortunate background.  National statistics paint a grim future for teens that are in need of being adopted.  Today, the Booths have opened their hearts and home to a twelve year old boy who was dealt a very cruel hand early on in life.

Jonny arrived at his new home, he was speechless when he walked into his bedroom.  His bedroom was decorated in a football theme.. Near a huge bay window was a queen size bed with a comforter that matched his curtains and seven throw pillows.   In one corner sat a huge mahogony desk with a computer, next to the desk was a night table with a telephone and a clock radio.  Jonny surveyed his new room with utter amazement.  Lastly, he opened a door that he thought was a closet.  He gasped, when it became clear that he was staring at his own private bathroom.  Jonny heard a knock at the door, it was Mrs. Booth.  "Do you like your new room?" asked Mrs. Booth,  "Yes ma'am" ,answered Jonny shyly,  "I never had my own room before."  "We want want you to feel at home, when you  are done putting your things away come join us for a mid-morning snack," explained Mrs. Booth.

Jonny pulled out his prize possession, a picture of him and his birth mom and dad.  He sat the picture on the night  table.  He stood for a moment as if both of his feet were set in cement; he stared at the picture and said , "  Mom and dad today is the beginning of a new life for me, in my dreams you both swore that this day would come,  I am very sorry for not believing you, can you forgive me?"  Jonny paused a moment and picked up the picture,  kissed it and then sat it down again.  A warm fuzzy feeling enveloped his entire being, he smiled and then went downstairs to join his new family for a snack.

It has been nine years since Jonny moved in with his new adoptive family.  During those nine years Jonny accomplished many wonderful things.  First came graduation from high school.  He graduated top of his class.  He received a full ride  football  scholarship to attend college.  The brilliant sun that shone  through his bedroom window nine years ago  is shining even brighter today , for he has reached the greatest milestone yet;  he is about to become a college graduate.  His adoptive mom and dad remained by his side and encouraged him in every endeavor.  They treated him like royalty.  Jonny owes his success to his adoptive parents because they provided him with the most elemental human need:  The need to belong, to love and to be loved.

Written By:
Nicole Weaver
7/5/2009© All rights reserved