Joe and myself never dreamed, in a million years, that this day would ever come. 

Today, our youngest child, our son, Robin, leaves to go live with some friends.  This is the first time he will be on his own; as you can imagine, he is very excited (as are we).

Robin, who is 22, was born with spina bifida and mild brain damage/learning disabilities.  He uses a wheelchair to get around and just graduated from high school this past June.  He has worked as a cashier for McDonald's sine he was 16; he has proven to be a very conscientious, diligent worker who takes his job very seriously.  We are very proud of all that Robin has accomplished, especially this year, where he has really soared to new heights.

Now our little bird is about to spread his wings and fly away for good!

He is really looking forward to being with his friends, Migo (short for "Amigo"; "Amigo's" real name is Augusto, but everyone who knows him calls him "Amigo" instead) and Jason.  Both Amigo and Jason work at McDonalds too, along with Robin; they have looked after Robin as if he were their baby brother, for the past six years.  They are the best of friends: all three boys are extremely close to one another.

For now, Robin and our family have only a few precious hours together.  We might as well make these last hours together count.  I do know this much: we will all probably cry buckets of tears!

Our baby boy is leaving us!!