David Lacy, a stepdad, formally adopts kids after a sweet moment 26 years in the making. There is nothing like a father’s love. His hands protect, raise up, and hold us. David did this for his wife’s three children. For 26 years, he loved them as if they were his own children. 

He did everything he could to be the best father he could be. He helped them with their homework and took them to sports practice. He was there to offer advice and act as a guide in decision-making. 

He taught them how to drive and went to their high school graduations. He was there for the big moments and the little moments. 

David was a father to his stepchildren in every way possible except on paper. For legal reasons, he was unable to adopt but that didn’t stop him from loving them as if they were his own. 

During a special celebration, his kids had something they wanted to say. 

“A dad isn’t defined as a man who makes the child but rather a man who extends his hands and time to help with the child’s raising. In his heart, he loves the child through anything. You stepped up and took care of our mom when she was broken.” 

David began to tear up when his stepdaughter asked, “We have something we’d like to ask you. Will you finally adopt us and be our dad?” 

Isn’t that incredible? What gift do you give a father who means everything to you? The right to be called his. David’s children applied to be adopted as adults and take David’s name. If this doesn’t make you get misty-eyed, I don’t know what will. 

Being a parent is the job of a lifetime. It doesn’t end when children fly the nest. It’s safe to say, David’s children know where their forever home is–in his arms. 

And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty,” 2 Corinthians 6:18