I was using my computer for more than an hour, attempting to find a way to share our adoption experience. I wanted to share my story with love and honest, but I could not find the words. At that moment, my son, Connor, entered and inquired about my activity.
Courtesy of Derek Julian
I informed him that I was documenting our adoption experience. He looked at the black screen and asked, Why didn’t you write anything? I said, Because i am not a writer.
Courtesy of Derek Julian
His response provided me with all the inspiration I required. Dad, anyone can tell how great you are, even without writing.
My name is Derek. I am a father and a proud husband of two. I have a daughter, her name is Everly, and a son, his name is Connor, with my wife, Sarah. Everly is my biological daughter.
Courtesy of Derek Julian
Connor is not my real son, but that has never been important. They are both my kids, and I love them very much.
Courtesy of Derek Julian
I encountered Sarah 14 years ago. Life led us on different ways for a time, but we eventually reunited. While we were separated, Sarah gave birth to a son, Connor.
Courtesy of Derek Julian
It was my first time meeting him on Christmas Eve 2016. That evening, he wept because he was reluctant to part from me. It felt like we meant to be a family.
Courtesy of Derek Julian
One afternoon, when Connor was six, we were out together, and he said, Can I consider you as Dad? I informed him we would discuss this with his mom. A week later, he asked again, i can see more hope this time in his eyes.
Courtesy of Derek Julian
More than anything in the world, he stated. And from that day on, he referred to me as Dad. I proposed to Sarah with Connor by my side. He served as my best man during our wedding with a Halloween theme.
Courtesy of Derek Julian
After we got married, Connor wanted to change his last name to match ours. We clarified that a legal adoption process would require time. He did not just want our last name, he wanted to be our son in every way. And we desired that as well.
Courtesy of Derek Julian
At that period, we were attempting to conceive. The journey through fertility treatments was lengthy and filled with emotion.
Courtesy of Derek Julian
At last, on a scorching summer day in 2019, we received the news, which we were expecting! Everly was born in April 2021, coinciding with the pandemic.
Courtesy of Derek Julian
Our family expanded in various ways. Connor and I also launched a TikTok account named Badical Dadical. It helps us a lot to get closer and find friends from everywhere. The path to adoption was challenging.
Courtesy of Derek Julian
Emotional discussions took place, with questions posed by Connor and others. However, every obstacle was valuable.
Courtesy of Derek Julian
In April 2021, we completed the adoption via phone because of COVID. Connor was extremely happy. He partied in a limousine, yelling from the window: I am adopted, and I am a Julian.
Courtesy of Derek Julian
From the beginning, Connor was my son. He showed me the true meaning of love, patience, and family. In my hard and bad times, he would say to me, don’t give up, Dad. We will beat this. And we did it.
