Page 18 (2/2)

The first e fucking boulders However, it never crossedhisabout it in a typicalinstead of crying or saying he was sad

Outings were always interesting, to say the least The last seven ers were bywith his behavior therapist so I could keep up with his program and provide soone to a restaurant, eaten an entire ain without a tantruress

Last week, Erin had called with news that Janice was in the hospital and being moved to hospice They would provide cooing to set up some panel interviews for prospective foster families and asked if I could join theood - at least for Tanner When I asked them how they would deal with his special needs, there was usually a long pause, followed by an unsure smile That told me they had no clue, and that worried me

Emily and I went to Cornerstones the day after I ca Tanner She said I was there when she needed me, and now soed by my - our - decision to take Tanner She felt he would continue to make strides with our family, even after Janice passed There seeh of relief that a plan was in place

"So, it’s official The Family Services worker approved your application You will be Tanner’s foster family for the next year At the end of that year, should you still wish to pursue it, you can petition for adoption The judge granted and signed a temporary placement order for Tanner to live with you When Jan has" Erin can’t finish, but I knohat she’s getting at, so I finish for her "Then, we’ll get perned the order for teuardianship at 3:07 this afternoon

Janice has been in a drug-induced coe of Emily’s and o see Janice and tell her? I know she’s unconscious, but then I’d at least feel like ere so for her bless - "

I don’t finish as Etone "When I see your face, there’s not a thing that I would change, ’cause you’re a Bruno Mars

"Hello"

We left the courthouse ten

I glance to Emily as she listens to Erin on the other end of the line Her srim I suddenly wonder if there is a problem I look up in the rear-viewstock still and perfectly straight in the seat, looking out theMark can tell so for us to say so

"Oh"

Then, Elassy and I knohat that ins to rock since the car has stopped and then starts to et

I reach for E for verification

"She passed at 3:12 pins to cry while Tanner groans "She kneas okay"

I think Tanner knows, too People assume he doesn’t understand because he can’t express it, but I think he does

Now, I’m torn Do I comfort my wife or my new son? "Let’s move to the back seat," I whisper

We sit on the shoulder of Route 35, in the back seat of our two-year-old Corolla, e each other Emily and I sandwich our boys between us as Tanner continues to rock and hum

"This, too, shall pass," ether and continue living