11/11 - Adoption Day Today is my adoption day. Not once in my 23 years of being alive on this planet did I ever think my life would turn out the way it has. For those who do not already know: I was kicked out of the house shortly after coming out to my parents. It was the summer of my junior year of high school and my entire life changed before I was even aware of what had happened. And now today I am being adopted and I am left with feelings of overwhelming gratitude and utter disbelief. With the adoption comes the option to change my name and I have ultimately decided to keep my first name and change my middle and last. Changing my last name was a given, but my middle name required careful consideration. I have decided to take the name Martin. The Martins were the first permanent arrangement I had after being kicked out. They welcomed me into their home without any questions asked and accepted me like I was one of their own. They cleared out a room for me and got me ready for my senior year of high school. They provided me stability and support in a time when that was scarce. I felt like a mess and a burden, but they made me feel like a worthy person. They provided me with the love and care every child deserves but not always receives. Bill, Tami, Derek, David, Jeff, Moose, Fifa, and Tucker: I genuinely would not be the person I am today if it weren’t for you. I love you all, from the bottom of my heart. My last name will be Raskin. The Raskins became my forever home. It signaled the time in my life when my days of moving from one place to the next had finally come to an end. Their home became a place I would come back to for holidays, time and time again. A place I could keep all the things I’ve accumulated throughout my life. A place I could love and feel loved in return. A place where “Where to next.” ceased to exist. A place I know. A place I love. And a place I call home. To Neal and Nicole, to my brother Carter, to my little sister Harper, and to Cody and Mabel: I will never be able to fully express the love I have for you in my heart. Words cannot even begin to do it justice. I am honored to call you my family. William Martin Raskin