The old saying is that you can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family… but sometimes life gives us the opportunity to do just that!
Videos by InspireMore
Joel Skaggs first met Dave Glenn when he was just ten years old. At that time, Joel was skeptical about his new step-dad and did his best to challenge Dave’s authority throughout his adolescence. As Dave’s wife S. Glenn explained on Facebook:
“Dave married Joel’s mom, who had five sons. That is a pretty admirable undertaking! Through his teen years, Joel gave his mom and step dad quite a bit of trouble and tested Dave at every opportunity. Through it all, Dave remained there for his family–leading by his loving, strong, and wise example.”
As an adult, Joel began to appreciate Dave’s fatherly presence in his life, even asking Dave to be the best man at his wedding. Joel’s kids look up to Dave as their grandfather, too. In truth, Dave had become every bit Joel’s father over the years; all that was missing was the official documentation.
On Dave’s 60th birthday, Joel decided to change that and ask Dave to formally adopt him, as an adult. Sitting on a couch together at Dave’s birthday party, Joel read him a card that outlined how much he loves and respects Dave as his father.
Facebook
“By your teaching and example, you have taught me what a man is,” Joel read. “By loving my mom, you have taught me how to love my wife. By sacrificing and standing beside me, no matter what life threw at us, you’ve shown me how to be a father to my own kids…You are the man that I most respect, and you’re my hero. I love you, Dad.”
Facebook
Dave’s emotional reaction is beyond sweet! “Joel plans to legally change his name to Joel Oliver Skaggs Glenn, so that his name reflects both family lines,” Joel’s wife explained.
“It’ll be official,” Joel said.
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“You really want to be my son,” Dave asks.
“I already am,” Joel replies.
Is it dusty in here or what? Somebody hand me a tissue!
Watch the video below, and be sure to share with someone else whose life was forever changed by the power of adoption!
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