In the coming days, my 18 yr old daughter will be legally adopted by my husband, her step-dad.
This is a decision she made. Her biodad is no longer playing an active role in her life (also her choice).
My husband had been in her life since she was 18 mos old. We married when she was 5 yrs old.
My husband has done all thw things a father does. He changed diapers, he helped her learn to ride a bike, built her a swingset and playhouse, took off work for doctor appts and school performances, coached her sports team, took her to various practices/rehearsals, saved her college fund, taught her to drive, took her car shopping, took her on college tours, helped with all life milestones. He did the work. And she sees that. And that lets me know we did a good job raising a smart independent thinker.
Our family is one that focuses a lot on adoption. Our 2 boys were adopted thru foster care. Our daughter understands DNA is not an important factor in family.
We are so proud of her decision as an adult to take a stand on who she feels is her parents. To give my husband the official, legal role of her parent. And while she is an adult and there will not be a lot of ways it will be necessary, it is the thought and love of the gesture.
It will also help protect her future, should anything happen. Her bio will have no grounds to access her accounts or information. He will have no say in medical decisions should she be unable to make them. She is protecting herself too…thinking ahead.
I love my girl. I am proud…we both are.