Very proud night for me and quite emotional as well...long read

[StratosBrad]

As many of you all know, I have my two nieces living with me due to some family issues.
I've been a part of both of their lives since they were babies. The oldest is the closest to me. Her dad and mom had a nassssty divorce a few years back and long story short, neither have time for their kids, so they are with me.
Damn shame.

Anyway, the oldest took up to me a few years back and she tells me all the time that she wishes I was her real dad.
When I got the girls, the youngest was on Ritalin for behavioral issues and mild ADHD. She is a great kid, but had some issues with being in an unstable environment and understanding why things were different.
The oldest understood to some extent, but was hurt. Their grades suffered, they were just very unhappy little girls.
Now, after a while, they are both on the honor roll, playing sports, getting glowing reports for the teachers and being great kids.
Last night, the oldest had a dance at her school. Three days ago, she came to me and I could tell she wanted to talk. Im proud to say that she asked me if I would allow her "boyfriend" to call me and ask me if she could go to the dance. I said sure, I'll talk to him.
He's only 11, and is a super kid, great family and all. The boy called me and was super polite. He asked if I could bring her to the dance at the school. to the parents for telling the boy the right thing to do at such a young age.
I agreed and told him he was a fine young man and also that I appreciated him asking me.
He said that she told him that I was her "dad" to her and that he had to ask me.
Anyway, my wife got her ready and we took her to the dance, where they drank apple juice and shared a pretzel.
The emotional part comes now. I took one look at her and about cried. She is growing up soooooooooooo fast. I couldn't be any prouder of my babies than I am.
I am soooooo blessed to have these four children in my life.

Here's a picture of me and her, and baby Jacob. (terrible cell phone pic)

[Al from Canada]

[Altro Cat]

If only more children had good people to raise them these days. Working in a middle school I see everyday what kids are like and what they turn into without loving parents.

[Bassin Bob71]

You're doin' the right thing man You and your wife should be very proud of what you're doing. Those kids will always consider you their parents.

[fordguy_85]

My kids are only 5, 3, and 5 mos., but it seems like they are growing up waaay too fast. Seems like just yesterday that my wife and I found out that we were pregnant with our oldest, and now she will start school this year Hat's off to you Brad for what you are doing with your nieces

[FlyinSooner]

:thumbsup:

[BIGCBAG]

Great job! It take's a real Man to raise someone's kid's!!! Sound's like your doing a wonderful job.

[local16]

You done well grasshoppa Fine job Brad

[lasabre]

Thats awesome Brad, my little girl just turned 2 and it tore me up then I am gonna be brittle when she gets her age

[TMATTE]

Awesome job, Brother. I was adopted at 2 days old, and I can promise you that biology has nothing to do with who a kid loves as a parent. They will never forget what you did for them.

[StratosBrad]

Thanks guys, but I didn't post that up to get compliments. I just wanted to share something very special with my bbc family members. seriously, thank you though.

[vatreefarmer]

Beautiful young lady, glad to see she is making good choices. But special Thanks to you for giving a damn.

and trust me, it will get harder watching them grow older every day, knowing that every day is one day closer to the day they have to leave you

[Garfish]

This is the most impressive time in her young life. Brad sounds like you are helping instill some great values and mannerisms in her . Keep it up....G

[bcklash]

Good job BassinBrad.

[StratosBrad]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by vatreefarmer &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Beautiful young lady, glad to see she is making good choices. But special Thanks to you for giving a damn.

and trust me, it will get harder watching them grow older every day, knowing that every day is one day closer to the day they have to leave you </td></tr></table>

She is the epitome of maturity for her age. I don't have to get on her case about anything to tell the truth. Just this morning, she came in and got Jakie out of the crib, took him downstairs with her and Jr. gave him a cup, changed his diaper and got Jr. something to drink.
I asked her why she didn't just wake me and her sissy up. Her reply was "ou guys took me to get new jeans, a new shirt and some SPERRYS for my dance, the least I can do is let you all sleep in."

[ssbassman]

All i can say is you are good man not very many people out there that will do what you are doing.

[C.C. Bullet]

Good job Brad. Thanks for sharing and representing good men.

[Rodney Bledsoe]

WOW... what more can I say. Great to hear about some GOOD parenting being done.

Hat's off to you and your wife

[catchinweeds]

to you Brad. That right there is something you can hang your hat on. You stepped up to the plate when you were needed, and those kids will always be grateful for that. You have every reason to be proud my friend.

[keefus]

Wonderful thing you have done for them, good job