It’s a banner day here at TU/Man Cave World Headquarters.
I’m going to court.
It’s a place I’ve successfully avoided over the years, but today, we’re making an exception.
This afternoon – about 3:30 or so – the L&T, myself, and Little M stand in front of a judge and make the whole adoption thing official.
The smiling Little M; next stop, a small stream...
With a few close friends along for company, we’re putting California’s Official Okey-Dokey on this whole thing, as if a legal document was needed to define what’s already become clear.
One friend made a joke about “giving her back” before the deadline, and there have been times I’ve re-thought this whole venture (like yesterday, when intelligence-gathering activities revealed there was a decent Pink Albert hatch happening somewhere nearby, but instead of going fly fishing, I was taking Little M for a hike).
Still, the L&T and I scored heavy with Little M, who is as happy a kid as you could get – especially given the harrowing circumstances cluttering her past.
Near starvation isn’t the best starting point for any kid, but Little M is pure smiles, very active – and yes, strong-willed.
And now that the weather’s good – and we’ve established Little M’s willingness to sit in a backpack for upwards of two hours – there will be some Little M fly fishing trips in our near future.
They’ll be short. But they’ll involve fly fishing, Little M, Wally the Wonderdog, and maybe even the L&T (if she can stop working).
And they’ll be seriously fun.
Yesterday’s News
My latest small stream adventure sits half-written on my hard drive – the victim of another work-related all-nighter.
It’ll find its way to the Underground’s electronic pages soon, and some of my readers will sigh, and all I can say is that I hope there’s a small stream somewhere in your near future.
If not a visit to court.
See you in the legal system, Tom Chandler
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Congrats!!!!! You’re well on the way to building a bank of great memories for her!!! In a few years musical peals of childish laughter as a trout splashes may make some of those small stream outings even better (well maybe not better but even more of a balm for your soul) although if you let this adoption thing be widely know you may end up with a reputation for having character not just being one. Marty(Quote)
You are a lucky man to have a daughter and to know what is important and what is not~ Best wishes on this special day! corvus(Quote)
Hey Tom,
We have never met, but I am sure we will someday since I am a part time/ working on full time Dunsmuir resident. We fish with a few of the same local guys, Steven, Wayne, Fred, and a few other local charachters.
Sincere congrats on the adoption. My sister who just bought a home in Mt. Shasta has an adopted boy & girl. I know how much it has bettered all of our lives. Patrick who is 10 is ready to learn to flyfish and I can’t wait to teach him.
A joyous day worth marking on the calender!
Will ( The Rockman)
Ask Steven about fishing McCloud res. w/ yellow stones, awesome action last monday!! Rockman(Quote)
Wow thats such a great story Tom! congratulations… Dean(Quote)
Congrats. That’s great news. Bjorn(Quote)
“And they’ll be seriously fun.” I do believe this is the smartest thing I’ve ever heard you say, Tom. Kentucky Jim(Quote)
Outstanding! Don(Quote)
Awesome. My daughter is already quite a little fisherman. It won’t be long now before elia and jj have flyrods in their hands. Congrats man! John montana(Quote)
Nice smile!
It’s always a special moment of the day when I can read one of your text! Albert(Quote)
Great shot of you and your daughter Tom…and congrats! Middle TN Lee(Quote)
Tom, simply awesome news! Congrats! Steve Z(Quote)
Congratulations to you, your wife and one lucky little girl. (and Wally too) Gary(Quote)
Please remember, when you hear the words, “please rise,” don’t think it’s the guy upstream from you. Congrats! Turnip Truck Driver(Quote)
Congratulation to the three of you Tom. Meskerem is such a great little kid, and I know you and Nancy are wonderful parents. John Soares(Quote)
Congrats to you, L&T, and Little M. There will be another Pink Albert hatch soon, I’m sure. Dan(Quote)
You caught the keeper of your life! Congrats on the wonderfulness of it all. Crawdaddy(Quote)
Where’s the “Like” button? Capt Gordon(Quote)
The court date went great, we had better than a dozen folks show up in support (the judge was astonished to see a room full of folks but only one adoption on the calendar), and Little M is now officially ours.
Since it’s never too early, donations to her college fund gratefully accepted (I’m thinking Ivy League, so empty that bank account).
More to come (like a lifetime’s worth). Tom Chandler(Quote)