The Journey to Max - An Adoption Story

Xander narrates the story of the coast-to-coast journey he and his two dads take to complete their family. Xander wants a sibling who will make the back seat of the car less lonely, make playing with toys more of a team activity, and fill the empty seat at their table. 

Their journey starts in Sacramento, the city where Xander was born, but it is unsuccessful. They travel to Phoenix, Dallas, Little Rock, Gainesville, and Miami - all starting hopeful, but in the end, they remain a trio.

After one disappointment too many, they accept the fact that the empty chair at their table will remain empty. It makes them sad.

When hope is packed away, a single, unexpected phone call re-opens a door otherwise thought would remain dark. A birth mom, who is 7 months pregnant, sees their family profile on the adoption agency website and wants them - she chooses them to be the family for her soon-to-be-born baby.

With only two months to prepare, Xander helps his dads set up the baby's nursery, shops for baby supplies, and even lets go of some of his best- stuffed animal friends to ensure his new sibling feels special.

The day arrives and Xander becomes big brother to Max.

Xander loves helping out with his new brother. He cautiously accepts the new chore of diaper duty where he soon realizes little babies can make big smells, but Xander is thrilled with his brother's arrival, "the empty spot in my heart is not empty anymore."

Xander and Max grow quickly. Max is soon crawling, walking, and running. The two, along with the family dog, Shelby, love adventure and sometimes get into trouble. No matter how long their 'time-outs', they end with a hug from Daddy and Papa - they are loved.

Xander points out that Max is 'super-loved' - by him and his dads, his Abuela, his extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins, and Max's birth mother.

The love of Max's birth mother is highlighted in a 2-page spread of text messages and photos exchanged between her and his fathers.

Although she is not part of Max's daily life, her text messages resonate that she keeps him in her heart and is thankful that she chose the perfect family for him.

Xander closes his story by recognizing all the positive things Max brings to his extended family's lives: they sing louder, they laugh harder and they smile brighter. 

Max is Xander's best friend.

#ownvoices #lgbt #diversity