Legally Ours - Sentimental Sunday No. 11

June 13, 1996 was a momentous day in our family. In fact, it was the day we became a family. Legally anyway. It was the day that we dressed John James up in his best clothes and met our attorney in family court. It was the day that we listened as the Judge announced, “From this day forward he shall be known as John James Mulligan, son of Richard James and Cindy Lynn Mulligan.” It was one of the happiest days in our lives. Having not given birth to this spectacular young man – this was our equal to giving birth to him. In our hearts he was ours from the day he was placed in our arms, but having it be pronounced legal that we were a family was joyous. Here is the poem that I wrote in honor of the day:

Legally ours,
Officially sealed,
Now we are one
So happy we feel.

In our hearts you have been,
Our son from the start,
But now, you are legally ours!