Bernard is a middle school...
Illustration
Bernard is a middle school student who has been in one foster home after another most of his life. Though only 13, he is larger that most of his classmates. Between classes in the hallway, the teachers could count on Bernard being at the center of some disturbance, always causing classroom mayhem. As a result, he received a great deal of attention, both from teachers and administrators.
In spite of all this, his grades were always above average. His teachers recognized his potential, giving him extra responsibilities. He willingly ran errands, passed out papers, and helped with attendance-taking.
One day he was called to the counselor's office where his present foster parents were waiting. They explained to him that they had started adoption procedures, asking him if he were willing to be their son for always. "Will you go to the attorney's office so we can finalize the procedure?" they asked him. He asked, "Do you mean I would be just like your real son?" "You would be our real son for all time. There will be no more court appearances after this one," they explained.
"You will be my real mother and father? Your home would be my home? I would belong there? I can call you Father and Mother?" The words were tumbling from his mouth. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he hugged his parents. "This is the first time I ever belonged anywhere!"
In spite of all this, his grades were always above average. His teachers recognized his potential, giving him extra responsibilities. He willingly ran errands, passed out papers, and helped with attendance-taking.
One day he was called to the counselor's office where his present foster parents were waiting. They explained to him that they had started adoption procedures, asking him if he were willing to be their son for always. "Will you go to the attorney's office so we can finalize the procedure?" they asked him. He asked, "Do you mean I would be just like your real son?" "You would be our real son for all time. There will be no more court appearances after this one," they explained.
"You will be my real mother and father? Your home would be my home? I would belong there? I can call you Father and Mother?" The words were tumbling from his mouth. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he hugged his parents. "This is the first time I ever belonged anywhere!"
