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I was foster mom to Jafta for 3 years before his adoption was finalized. Three years of wondering . . . will I be the mom at his milestones? Will I get to see this baby I adore graduate from high school, go to college, or get married? I remember the lullaby I sang to Jafta in those years, because they were uncertain. It was the song For Good from Wicked, and it felt fitting because it was about loving with an open hand, and knowing that even if paths diverged, each was changed for the better. This kid has absolutely changed me for the better, and I am so incredibly proud of him. He spent his senior year playing football, leading his section in choir and being in the school musical, and taking guitar, piano and music production classes. He finished his school’s “pathway certificate” in music tech and will be going to Orange Coast College next year to study music production. “You’ll be with me like a hand prints on my heart” – that’s the truth. Congrats, @jaftahowerton. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
8th grade promotion for Karis! She was honored as student of the year for both drama (no surprise) and math (a surprise!) and inducted into National Junior Honor Society. She had a great year academically and in cheer, choir and drama and we can’t wait to see what she does next.
