Family

Curtis Anthony Powell

We first met Curtis shortly after moving to Colorado in 2008. Curtis was being mentored by our friend Jonathon Stalls, so we'd see Curtis at special events and the occasional community gatherings. In November 2009, circumstances led Curtis to Jon's workplace and doorstep. Since Jon was planning to begin his walk across America on March 1, 2010, Curtis needed a place to stay. When he asked if he could stay with us, we gladly accepted. Curtis moved in in mid-December.

Since then, Curtis has enrolled in the high school where I teach and has excelled in his academic and personal achievement. He has adjusted well to his new family living environment and seems to be loving life. He is discovering what it means to be a son just as much as I am discovering what it means to be a dad. We are so proud of him and are happy to have him as a part of our family.

This past week, Curtis and I took a road trip to South Dakota for some camping and sight-seeing. While there, we learned that a judge in Denver had granted full guardianship rights to Brenda and I for the care of Curtis. Both he and ourselves are delighted! It's been a long process, but we are glad that day is finally here.

Most people who know us don't question the notion of why we bring people home, but once in a while, someone will say, "I don't know how you can do it!" to which I usually reply, "I don't know how you cannot." I see "family" as a right more than a privilege, only these days fewer and fewer are having the opportunity to enjoy that right. Every person deserves the opportunity to experience the love, security, and benefits the sense of family can bring. For ourselves, having Curtis as a part of our family has only added to the richness and fullness of our lives...he has taken nothing away.

Life is better with people in it, and ours is better for sharing this life we've been given with an incredible teenager named Curtis.