NEXT OF KIN

The next of kin is always notified when a person dies; especially when the hospital can't locate any immediate family. The hospital staff turns over all patient's belongings in hopes the police locate a name, address, or phone number for the Jane or John Doe they have on their table. This procedure was followed just as it always has - nothing different that day and Karen Johnson laid lifeless on the table in the Saint Vincent's Hospital in Manhattan, NY.

Jeremy Johnson was Karen's son. Her only living relative and next of kin. He was 8 years old and a strikingly handsome young man for his age. He had a head full of blond hair with gold sparkling highlights all through it. He was known for being eager to discover the world and all it had to offer. Jeremy was always asking questions, analyzing everything and enjoying playing sports with his friends. Most people who know Jeremy describe him as the well mannered, nice looking boy with the big brown eyes and a tan that never seems to fade. But, today was going to be a different day for Jeremy; today life had planned to teach him about death - the death of his Mother and only living relative.

Karen Johnson was killed instantly while driving to work. That morning the roads were slippery because it had been raining all night. But, Karen thought nothing of it, going on to work just as any other morning. She was thinking of all that had to be done today, hoping not to forget that she had to schedule Jeremy’s physical so he could try out for football team in two more weeks and wondering if Pam changed the appetizer for the upcoming quarterly fundraiser.

Her routine was like any other morning. Karen's thoughts were all about the morning ahead. She looked up at the light as it had turned green and eased her foot off the break to switch to first gear to go through the intersection at East 64th Street and Park Avenue. Karen always went this way. However, this morning, was no ordinary day because a truck driver who had been driving all night, was on his way through East 64th Street and Park Avenue and he was tired from driving all night long. He being half asleep, and exhausted, he never noticed the light when it turned red. He had seen over 500 miles of street pavement - both wet and dry so it all looked the same and he was ready to drop his load off. So instead of slowing down his 4000 pound truck, he kept going until he met Karen's MG head on which rolled 4,000 pounds of heavy freight onto the top of Karen's MG killing her instantly.

Karen Johnson was a single mother - but, not because she was divorced or widowed. But, because Karen was an independent woman. She was a planner. Planned for everything right down to the last detail. Karen planned just how her life would be and at what time everything would unfold. At 20 she planned to be finishing law school, 25 planned to make partner be married to a wonderful man who loved her and at 30 she planned they both would be in a beautiful brownstone right off of 5Th Avenue, in the house of her dreams. Karen planned on having a house full of kids to run her crazy. But, despite all of Karen's planning, preparation and execution of her life's accomplishments. All she had hoped for did not work out as planned.

Karen did finish law school at 20 and she did make partner but, she didn't seem to find that husband and without him, there was no house full of kids. Instead of a beautiful brownstone, she settled down in an upscale a condo in Manhattan. But, Karen a woman of determination decided to still have that family she always wanted. So she decided to have a child but, and since there was no Mr. Right, she decided to get pregnant on her own and have infertilization. She thought at least she would have that someone who loved her unconditionally and maybe the husband would come later on to help her finish her dream of having that house full of kids to make her crazy. So, Karen got started and researches on the procedure the cost, and who had the best success rate. She called CYN Fertility Clinic. They had an excellent success rate and compared to all others she researched, they were the one she was going to have a baby.

Karen provided only the best for the love of her life - Jeremy and she spared no expense for the best nanny in the city. Ms. Emily Jenkins cared for Jeremy since he was 4 weeks old. She was experienced in raising children - as she has raised many children in Europe and came highly recommended by many distinguished mothers. Ms. Jenkins raised Jeremy with firmness - after all he was a boy - and was alone without a father so she deemed it necessary. She lived with Jeremy and Karen and when she received the call that Karen had been in an accident that morning she immediately went back to the school to get Jeremy and went straight to the hospital. She and Jeremy both went and they sat patiently for the doctor to come out into the waiting room where they were waiting anxiously. No one could give them any information on Karen, as she had not come to the ER she went straight to the morgue downstairs. Then finally the doctor came in and asked the nurse at the desk who was there for Karen Johnson? and as Ms. Jenkins saw the nurse point in their direction she asked Jeremy to wait there while she went over to speak with the doctor.

The doctor told her what had happened to Karen and asked if there was a next of kin to notify. Ms. Jenkins did not know of any other living relatives that Karen had and her parents were deceased and she was an only child. Karen had told her how Jeremy was conceived so she knew there was no father either. So, Ms. Jenkins said she would take Jeremy back home and notify the Department of Social Services as the doctor suggested. She turns to look at Jeremy with those big brown eyes - waiting to hear the comforting words that his Mom is ok and will be home soon. But somehow he just knew that something was wrong and the news was going to be bad so he braced himself for it. Ms. Jenkins walked towards him with a grim look on her face and just held him in her arms. She said not a word but, held him tightly for a minute then looked into those big brown eyes and said, Jeremy, your Mommy is gone to heaven today and at that moment a tear ran down his eye off his face and on to cold concrete floor of the waiting room. She then took him by the hand and said, "Let's go home for now." and they left.

When they got home Jeremy said nothing. He did not ask her any questions nor did she offer any words of comfort as her thoughts were on what would happen to Jeremy. So when she got home Jeremy went into his room to lie down and she went to the kitchen to make him some lunch and to think who she could call to get some help. So, she got Karen's address book and contacted the family lawyer - Harvey Silverman. Surely, he would know what could be done. She contacted his office. "Friedman and Silverman attorney's at Law how may I direct your call today?" The receptionist said, Ms. Jenkins said, "Harvey Silverman please, it's Emily Jenkins the housekeeper and nanny of Karen Johnson." She replied, "Hold one minute please." "Hello Ms. Jenkins, it’s wonderful to hear from you today, how can I help you?" Harvey said. "Mr. Silverman there has been a horrible accident with Karen this morning. She was killed in a car accident this morning and she has no other living relatives except for Jeremy. I was told from the doctors at the hospital I had to contact Social Services to put him in foster care but, I thought I'd call you first to see what could be done." Harvey replied, "Oh my God, Ms. Jenkins that is terrible news. I am so sorry to hear that. Well Karen did not mention any one to oversee the boy if something were to happen. As I had mentioned it to her several times, but, she was so busy trying to make partner at the Law firm she just didn't get around to doing it. I understand your concerns; however, I am afraid you may not have any other choice at the time. But, before you contact Social Service, let me consult with my partners; I'll pull her file and see what our options are at this point. I'll give you a call tomorrow. For now, just keep him there and don't contact anyone just yet." Ms. Jenkins said, "OK, I will wait until I hear from you tomorrow."

Ms. Jenkins went in to check on Jeremy to see if he wanted something to eat for lunch, but found him sitting in his mother's room on the bed, holding her pillow close to his face crying and holding it tightly as if it was the closest thing to his Mom he could hold on too right now. She just sat beside him and put her arm around his shoulder and tried to comfort him. Her heart ached for him as to the uncertainty of it all and the turmoil of the day. She told Jeremy if he wanted to he could sleep in his Mom's room if it made him feel better and he said it would. So she took off his shoes and sweater and laid him down on the bed and told him to try and rest and if he needed anything to let her know. Then Jeremy laid down and held the pillow tight cried so hard he put himself to sleep and Ms. Jenkins turned off the lights so he could grieve in private for his Mother.

The phone rang 9:00 a.m. sharp the next morning and Ms. Jenkins answered on the first ring. It was Harvey Silverman. He told her that even though Karen did not have any living relatives known and she was not able to be placed as his legal guardian that she had no other choice but, to contact social services to make them aware of the situation. So, Ms. Jenkins did what he asked her to do and made the call.

BGBrowns is what was on the customized license plate even though the BMW SUV owner's last name was Roberts. Known for her big brown eyes, Susan a busy Mom of two teen aged daughters, with a husband who is a Fire Chief and their two dogs named Coco and Channel, Susan's day stayed filled from morning until night. Getting Destiny ready for college in the fall and Faith entering into her first year of high school, Marc her best friend and husband of 20 years just got a promotion to Fire Chief - there just never seemed to be enough time for the family to sit down and have a meal together like they use to do.

Marc's new promotion to Fire Chief has kept him even busier at the station now. Recruiting new firemen and getting the new fire house renovated. Destiny trying to decide on a university and needs to go visit campus every other weekend and Faith is in Drama this year and is staring in her first leading roll and rehearsals are every week and the tour starts in the fall and for Susan who the President of the Women and Children's Homeless Society where Charity events happen every quarter for the large contributors of the Society, there could be no busier family.

As Susan starts out on her day to work, she gets a call on her blackberry phone. As she looks at the display in the dash it says VADSS. She answers and says, "Hello." The caller on the other end asks, "Is this Susan Smith?" and Susan replies, "Why yes, that was my maiden name, who's calling? Can I help you?" The caller says, hello Ms. Smith, My name is Virginia Dalson I'm a social worker here at the Virginia Department of Social Services, and I am calling you today to discuss a rather important matter that concerns you. Is there a good time that we could meet to talk?" Susan replies, "Well, I'm on my way to work right now, what is this concerning? Is this about our quarterly fundraiser? If it is, please..." and Mrs. Dalson interrupts, "Oh no, I am not calling about your fundraiser, Ms. Smith, this is a personal matter that I hope to speak with you confidentially." Stunned and surprised by her reply, Susan says, "Oh, I see, is there something wrong with-one of my daughters?" Susan says, hastily and Mrs. Dalson replies, "As I said, Ms. Smith, it is a very personal matter that must be discussed with you confidentially and as soon as possible." Susan pulls over and switches to her calendar's daily appointments. She says to Mrs. Dalson, “I can see you this afternoon at 3:00 p.m. Can you come by my office or shall I come there?" Mrs. Dalson says, "I will come to your office at 3:00 p.m." Susan gives her the address and then drives on to work in somewhat a daze of concern of what this could be about.

Mrs. Dalson arrives promptly at 3:00 p.m. and tells Susan's assistant Tina that she has a 3:00 p.m. appointment with Ms. Smith. Tina replies "Oh, you mean, Mrs. Roberts? Ms. Roberts maiden name was Smith but, now its Roberts. I'll tell her you are here, please have a set. Can I get you something to drink? Water, Coffee, Soda?" Mrs. Dalson politely says, "No thank you." and sits down on the couch.

Susan comes out and greets Mrs. Dalson. "Please, come in have a seat and make yourself comfortable Mrs. Dalson." Please tell me what is this all about. Mrs. Dalson takes a seat and puts her purse down and opens her brief case. She pulls out several documents and hands them to Susan. She reaches over to get them and gets her reading glasses out to take a look at the documents. Mrs. Dalson begins. Sometime ago about 8 years or so, you went to a fertility clinic in Manhattan and donated your eggs. They were preserved and a young woman named Karen Johnson came in and through numerous tests was impregnated with your egg and another unknown sperm. The infertilization was a success and she gave birth to a boy. His name is Jeremy Johnson who is now 8 years old. Susan looks up over her glasses and responds, "That's a really nice story Mrs. Dalson but, what does it have to do with me?" and she replies, "Isn't it true you donated your eggs to this clinic?" Susan replies, "Yes, but that was years ago. I was in college and needed money and saw a newspaper stating that they would pay women to donate their eggs for some sort of fee and I went in one day in the spring and did what they asked me." Mrs. Dalson replied, "Yes, I understand, but, the new law requires the State to notify the next of kin when their is no other immediate relative available to care for the child." Susan stands up and says, "A child? What do you mean? Are you trying to say that this boy is my child?" Mrs. Dalson replies, "Well, yes Ms. Roberts. You are the next of kin and the boy’s father is dead and his mother was recently killed in a car accident. There is no other living relative for him and with the new law releasing the seal of the records from the clinic state that you his next of kin and are therefore responsible for him." Susan sits down and sighs, "Are you for real? This can't be happening. I'm married, with two other children of my own, a husband and two dogs - I don't have time to raise another child. Oh my God." Susan puts both her hands on her forehead and face and leans over on her desk. Mrs. Dalson says, "I know it must be a shock to you Mrs. Roberts but, legally you are responsible for the boy and must make the arrangements to bring him into your care. When shall I bring him to you?" Susan looks up and says, "Wait just a minute. You mean he's here now? Where is he? I don't know anything about this boy and you expect me to bring him into my home and raise him? I am going to need a little more time to sort this all out and speak with my husband before anything is going to happen here." "As you wish Mrs. Roberts, but, you have until tomorrow at noon to make the arrangements. I will be contacting you tomorrow morning to set up a time to bring him to you and if you don't mind me saying, there is a striking resemblement in your eyes and the boys and frankly speaking he's seems like a great kid, well mannered and quite a handsome.

Susan tells Tina to hold her calls and cancel every appointment for the afternoon she's had an emergency and has to leave the office. Tina looks up over the desk and says, "Oh, sure, ok. Will you be back later?" Susan replies, "No, I'm going home now."

Susan struggles to find her keys in her purse as she rides down the elevator to the garage but, at last she finds them and presses the release on the alarm of her car and gets in. Once she's in she sits down and puts her hand over her head and sighs and says to herself - "This must be a dream. I sure wish I would wake up now."

As Susan arrives in the driveway she notices the girls are at home already. She comes inside and hears the TV on and Faith cooking in the kitchen. She comes in the family room with this worried face on and says hello to Destiny and Faith and they immediately know something is wrong. Destiny says, "Did you have a bad day Mom?" and Susan replies, "No, not bad, but, strange. Has Dad come home yet?" Susan asks. Then Faith replies, "He's going to be home early tonight, said that they finally got the kitchen finished in the fire house so he didn’t' have to meet with the contractors this evening. That's why I'm cooking tonight. It's rare for Dad to get off early." Susan replies, "Oh, I see, let me know when he gets home ok." The girls say, "Ok, Mom." and Susan goes upstairs to lie down for a minute to gather her thoughts.

Marc arrives home a few minutes later and Susan hears him when the girls say together, "Hey Dad." Marc said, "Where's your Mother?" Destiny replies, "She's upstairs lying down. She wanted you to come up when you got home. “He said, "Oh, ok. Be right back. Whatever you are cooking Faith smells good can't wait to eat."

Marc opens the door and sees Susan laying a crossed the bed tears falling down her face and as he looks stunned at her he asks, "Hey Babe, What's the matter? What's wrong?" Susan replies, "Oh, my God Marc, I don't even know where to begin." He says, "What is it?" Susan repleis and says, "There is something I have to tell you about something I did in my past." She sits up on the bed, wipes her eyes and begins to open up and tells Marc everything and he holds her in his arms and he tells her -"Babe, We will get through this. Don't worry, let’s just check it all out and if he's your son... well we just have to open our doors to him and love him like the rest of our kids. This is a lot to take in but, you know we always wanted to have a son too and maybe this is God's way of giving us one." Susan looks up at Marc with tears in her eyes and he wipes them all off and they embrace. Marc gets up and starts a bath for her adding Lavender beads like she likes to help her cope with this stressful day. Susan kisses Marc and gets in the tub. Marc goes down stairs and checks on what Faith is making for dinner as he is hungry but, still thinking about what Susan just said.

"Is Mom coming down for dinner Dad?" ”I think so, Destiny call Mom to come downstairs to eat she may be finished with her bath." Destiny calls out, "Mommy are you coming down? It's time to eat." She calls back, "I'll be down in a minute." Susan comes down and joins the family and the girls notice her eyes are red. Susan says, "After dinner your Dad and I have something to tell you." Destiny and Faith both look over at their Mom with a surprise look but, neither says anything.

Marc starts to tell the girls and they both look confused and somewhat surprised. Faith speaks up and says, "So where is he going to be staying? Here? I'm not sharing my room with him. “Destiny then speaks up and says, "What I can't believe you have a son? Did you check this all out to make sure it’s not a joke or something Mom?" Susan speaks up and says, "It's all true, I've checked it out this afternoon and legally he is my son and I am now responsible for him. It's like Dad says, we have to make this work - he is after all our family and blood sticks with blood." The girls don't seem to want to accept the new addition and additional stress falls on the already stressed family about Jeremy coming.

"Ms. Roberts, line one, its Mrs. Virginia Dalson from VADSS." Susan replies, "Thanks, Tina, I'll take it." "Hello, Ms. Dalson, its Susan Roberts. How are things?" Ms. Dalson, replies, "All is well. Have you made the necessary arrangements to receive Jeremy?" Susan, replies, "Yes, I've told my family and though it’s not the best of times to add another to our already busy, stressed family, we are going to give it a try and make it work somehow. Is Jeremy ready? I mean have you told him about us? and what is going on?" "Yes, he's been told and he seems kind of scared and worried a bit, but he had spoken to the Counselors here and its all normal they say. So, what time should I bring him to your home?" Susan replies, "Oh, let's say around noon? I just need to close out a few things here so I can spend some time with him." "Ok, great see you then."

Susan closes all of her business for the day and tells Tina to send all of her calls to Demetrius as he will be acting for her while she is out then she gets in her SUV and goes home. There she sits contemplating on what to do - so she bakes some cookies - as she remembers that's what most kids like and the smell reminds you of "home." So the doorbell rings and as she takes the cookies out to cool she goes over to the door anxiously to greet and meet her son. Susan checks the mirror for one last check and tells Marc they are here. Marc comes down the stairs and Susan and he open the door. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, its good to see you may we come in?" Susan and Marc stand and stare for a moment at Jeremy and Jeremy stares at Marc and Susan for a minute as well. Both the Roberts and Jeremy did not know. No one mentioned to the other that the Roberts are black and Jeremy is white.

Susan suddenly catches herself and breaks the stare by asking them to come inside. Jeremy who is a bit nervous is quite, and looking all around at the family room noticing the photographs and decorated plush couch as he sits down and folds his hands. Marc speaks up and introduces himself to Mrs. Dalson and reaches over to offer his hand to the little young man who is sitting on his couch. Jeremy looks up with those big brown eyes and says, "Hi, am I going to live here with you?" Marc replies, "Well we certainly hope so. We understand its kind of awkward how we all got together but, you will find that we are one big happy family." Jeremy says, "But, Mr. How is this going to work? I'm not... well... black like you and you are not white like me?" Mrs. Dalson interrupts, Jeremy that should not matter. This is your family. The Roberts family and the same blood that runs through your body - runs through Mrs. Roberts body. She is after all your biological mother." Jeremy just sits and sinks in the couch a little bit more. Ms. Dalson says, "Well I must be leaving now; and I will check back with you Mrs. Roberts next week to see how things are going." She looks over to Jeremy, "If you need anything you can call me anytime. I know it will take a little adjusting but, it will all work out in the end. These things always do." Then she gets up and Susan escorts her to the door and says goodbye to Mrs. Dalson as she drives away.

Susan offers Jeremy some chocolate chip cookies and he reaches over and takes a hand full. Marc picks up his bags and says to Jeremy, "You want to see your room?" Jeremy nods and says "Yes" and they go upstairs. Susan had set the guest room up for Jeremy.

Susan cleans up the kitchen from the cookies and checks herself one more time before going upstairs to talk with Jeremy one on one. As she gets there Marc has started unpacking his suitcase and is showing him where the bathroom is and his sisters’ rooms. Susan enters the room and asks Marc can she and Jeremy have a word alone together for a minute. Marc says, "Sure, I'll be downstairs." Susan closes the door and sits on the bed next to Jeremy. "Jeremy, I know this may be all weird and awkward for you. Coming here to live with another family and to top it all off find we are not what you had expected - being black I mean. But, you are my son and I want you to know despite everything you have gone through I will be here for you no matter what. I am sure you had a wonderful Mom; I can see she did a really good job with you - you are strong and handsome and I understand you are getting good grades in school. I want to get to know you better and I hope you can give me a chance to be just as good to you as your Mom did. I know it will take time and all I ask is you be patient with me like I will be patient with you. Ok?" Jeremy says, "Ok. and Susan hugs him putting her arm on his shoulder.

But, what shall I call you?" says Jeremy. Susan replied, you can call me "Other Mother" if you like for now. "What ever makes you feel comfortable - ok?" Jeremy says, "Sure, Ok." and Susan says, "Why don't you put the rest of your things away and come down when you are finished." Jeremy says, "Alright."

The girls are on their way now. Destiny coming through with an arm full of books and Faith a large book bag with a poster board paper in her other hand as well. "Mom", Faith says, "I'm going to need your help with this project tonight." Susan replies, "Faith I was hoping that we could all spend some time together since its Jeremy's first night here. Can you do that later and help with Dinner? I was thinking we could sit down for dinner and talk. Hopefully we can get to know him a little better or maybe play the Wii or watch a movie together like a real family tonight?" Destiny sighs, "Oh, Mom, come on, I've got so much work to do tonight. I understand but, after all he's your son not ours. Faith says, "Yeah, Mom." Marc says, "Stop giving your Mother a hard time girls, and make it happen." Jeremy hears them as he comes down stairs and sits on the couch again in the same spot before looking down. Marc gets him by the hand and introduces him to his new family - his sisters. "Hi", said Faith, Destiny looks at him and says, "Hey there little man. What is your name?" Jeremy says, "My name is Jeremy. You can call me Jeremy if you want too." Destiny replies, "Well ok then, that's what I'll call you." Faith can't help to stare because he is white. She thinks, "What will the kids at school think about her having a white brother?" Destiny and Faith both start upstairs to put their things away and get ready for dinner and getting to know their new "baby brother." Jeremy stays downstairs with Susan and Marc but, goes into the bathroom.

Susan and Marc start to talk and Marc says, "It' is going to be awkward with the neighbors and our friends and what about Mama what can we say about him being white? Why didn't you tell me he was white?" Susan says, "I didn't know. Oh my goodness how is this going to work? It's hard enough to raise the family we have now we have a "son" who is white.” She shakes her head smiles and then sighs... thinking how can she bring this family together with her son? Jeremy listens from the bathroom and begins to cry feeling unwanted and alone.

He decides that he did not want to come there and wants to get out of there as fast as he can, so he plans after they go to sleep, he would just run away. During dinner, everyone was quite. Just small talk at dinner and then Jeremy asks to go to his room for bed. Susan and Marc look at each other and say, "Sure Jeremy, if you are tired. We wanted to get to know you better and maybe play some video games or watch a movie. Are you sure you want to go right to bed?" Jeremy says, "Yes, I'm tired. Can I go now?" and he gets up and goes upstairs to his room.

That night, after everyone was asleep, Jeremy packed his stuff up and snuck down stairs and went out the door. It was dark outside, but, he did not even care, he just wanted to get out of these people's way as he felt he did not belong. So he quietly left and vanished into the darkness of the night.

The morning came and as usual everyone darted around everywhere getting ready for school, and as Susan got up the first thing on her mind was to check on Jeremy to see how his first night sleep in his new home was for him. But as she opens the door to his room she sees he's not there with a note on the bed saying. "Other Mother, Thank you for all you have done for me, but, this is not going to work out. I don't fit in here with you. My Mother is dead and I'm on my own. Jeremy. As Susan reads the letter, she yells for Marc and he comes in Jeremy’s room and says, "What's wrong? Where is Jeremy? Susan replies, "He left. Oh my God, what am I going to do now? Where would he have gone?" and she starts to cry. Marc holds her and says, "Calm down, we will find him. Let's call the police and Mrs. Dalson. They will know what to do." So, Susan calls Ms. Dalson and Marc calls the police and fire department to be on the look out for him.

Marc and the police chief set up a press conference announcing their search of Jeremy and Susan gets up there to plead for Jeremy to come back home or if anyone sees him to contact the police or fire department. The reporters ask Susan for a description of the boy missing and she begins to describe him 4'9, about 85 pounds, blond hair and big brown eyes. The reporter says, blond hair is he Caucasian? Susan replies, "Yes." The reporters stir about and the reporter says, "Is he your son you say?" "How did you come to have a white child as your son?" Cameras start flashing and reporters start to shout out questions about Jeremy and Susan and how he came to be "her" and Marc's son. As Marc sees the situation getting a bit stressful for Susan, he steps up to the platform and helps her off then he says to the reporters - "Jeremy is "our son" who is missing help us find him and stop worrying about unnecessary things that don't matter. If he being white does not matter to us, why should it matter to you? Please all we ask is for you to just do your job get the word out and help us find him. Please." Susan and Marc walk away from the reporters they get in their car and drive off.

Susan, Marc and the girls are back home now, waiting to hear from someone who may have seen Jeremy last night. Mrs. Dalson calls to see if there is any word. Marc tells her "Nothing yet, but, we will let you know as soon as we hear something." Susan sits in her room crying and blaming herself for him leaving. She takes out of her night stand a necklace that she bought that she had made for him and her it is a heart with Other Mother and JR for Jeremy Roberts forever engraved and cut in the middle for him to have half and her to have half. She closes the box gently and puts it back in the drawer. Then opens the envelope that had his new name change paperwork as it arrived yesterday in the mail. She starts to read it but, begins to cry so she puts it back in the envelope and returns it to the drawer. She had thought that perhaps that they could have had a ceremony with all of their friends and family marrying Jeremy into the Roberts family clan. She have visioned all the family would come together and celebrate the new addition to the family. As it was all sinking in now, she has a son - her own flesh and blood and it does not matter that he's white. He's hers and Marc's now. But, tears dripped down her face and she just laid across the bed and began to pray to God for forgiveness and for Jeremy's safe return.

Around 8 a.m. the next morning the phone rang and Marc answered. He said, "They found Jeremy and he is ok. He is at the Fire Station." Marc's team found him because one of the neighbors heard something in her apple tree and the new puppy just wouldn't be still all night long so Mrs. Hammermill called into the Fire Station thinking it was a stray cat stuck in the tree and found out it was Jeremy. Apparently he spent the night in the dog house with Max their new pup.

Susan, Marc, Destiny and Faith all pilled up in the car and went out to the station to get him. Susan ran to him the moment she saw him sitting there on the bench at the fire house. His big brown eyes and connected with his and she hugged him so tightly and told him that everything would be ok - he is her son and a member of the Roberts family. "We are a family Jeremy you and me Marc, Destiny and Faith - pointing back at them. You had us so worried. I'm just glad you are ok. Why did you run away?" Susan asked. Jeremy said, "Because I did not think you wanted me around since I'm white. I heard you talking when I was in the bathroom that you didn't know what the neighbors would say and your family and I didn't want to make any more trouble for anybody." Susan said, "Jeremy we don't care that you are white. This happened so quickly for us too. We did not know that you were white and if we had known we would have still have you as a member of our family. I'm mixed with white in my family and so is Marc - all of us here and everywhere is mixed with something. Ignorant people carry hate around with them about color but, we don’t' care. You belong with me - you belong with us and we WANT you to be a part of our family Jeremy. I have two daughters and you have two sisters but, Marc and I never had any sons and we always wanted to have a son too. God answered our prayers and sent us you. You are a part of the Roberts family now and forever - if it’s ok with you?" Jeremy said, "It’s all right with me Other Mother." Then Susan pulled out of her pocket the necklace and showed Jeremy then put on his half and he put her half around her neck too. Jeremy kissed her on the cheek and Susan looked him in the eyes and said, "Come on JR its time to go HOME. We got a lot of catching up to do." Susan took him by the hand and Marc, Destiny, Faith and Susan held him up and carried him to the car. Reporters just kept snapping pictures of Jeremy and one Reporter said, "Lost boy now found, rejoined with his Real Family." Update at 6:00 p.m. on Fox Morning News.