The kid's name is Colton. He's nine years old, the same age as Max when we first adopted him. He has crazy-curly blond hair, green eyes, and some freckles on his nose. He likes swimming, hiking, walking in the woods, and he enjoys playing soccer. Apart from that, he's really funny and loves to make everyone laugh. He hasn't had much interest in cooking, though we're working on changing that.
We're doing well, thanks. Uncle Mickey and Uncle Remy returned from their honeymoon in time to do some shopping before Christmas.
Oh! And I have some big news: one of Max's Christmas presents this past season was a shirt that reads "This is what an awesome big brother looks like." Morgan and I finished our second adoption.
I was prepared for the talk about acne, body odor, hair under the arms, etc. I'm less prepared for the other talk I need to have with Max: how the world views a young black man differently than it views a young black boy.
I can talk about some of those issues, but as a white man, I'll never really "get it". I've considered asking one of the parents in Max's friend group to have that discussion with him, someone who's also faced prejudice because of their skin color; to act a mentor of sorts.
Apple-fennel salad to start, some shrimp skewers and bruschetta for appetizers, followed by cheese fondue for the main course. Then a caramel fondue for dessert.
I just got an update from Terry. Physically, he's fine, but has been struggling to cope with the passing of several friends, both online and at home in Thailand and the U.S.
His mental health is recovering, however, and he hopes to be back among friends on Gay Authors soon.