October 11th, 1994 - November 15th, 2016

Today was a very special day for me. After spending 22 years in the foster care system, I finally signed myself out of care. When I signed that document giving me my freedom, it felt as if the shackles of the system gave way, and for the first time in my life, my mind, body, and soul, felt free. I knew this day would come and I can honestly say it terrified me more than anything because I saw friends who were also in foster care become homeless and helpless. This day terrified me because I feared I would be alone without any family or friends. This day terrified me because all the people that were paid to be in my life would leave. This day terrified me because I would be leaving my truly only home… But, like a bird spreading its wings for the first time to take flight, I must also leave my nest and soar the lands of which my nest rest on. I do not know where the winds will take me, but I shall remain courageous during the entire journey. If I get lost, I know my family and friends will be my compass; If I feel alone, I know there’s an abundance of love on standby; and if I ever feel like giving up, I know the world will lift me up again.

Goodbye, Foster Care.

Love,

Your Son

#freeatlast