I would like to introduce you to Jonathan “Jak” Douglas Carson. Jak was officially adopted by me on July 29tth. I flew to Almaty a few weeks later and brought him home to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It was an amazing 14 month journey! And, believe it or not, every day is still amazing. I am so proud to call him “Jak” since my father's name was Jack. When he died 7 years ago, his name became silent. Now, seven years later, his name is alive. This is a very nice honor for him and for me.
I am a single male and had many hurdles to jump before he was officially mine. I am proud to say that I was the first single male to adopt from Kyrgyzstan. Regina and Tatiana made sure that Jak and Jon would become a reality! My adoption of Jak has added a new meaning to “life” and “family” for me. Overall, this has become the greatest part of my life - sharing our lives together. My life has a defined focus now thanks to Jak. My goals are to provide Jak with the love, structure, and right atmosphere to grow into a mannered, motivated, educated young man with high morals and high values and a sense of family. Many people remark that Jak looks a lot like me when I was his age (and that was a long time ago). Jak's mannerisms mimic mine as well.
When Jak arrived in the U.S., my hospital had a shower for him. That meant so much to me. Every day now someone asks how Jak is doing. Jak has a large extended family. In fact, everyone that comes in contact with him becomes a part of that family. My mother, who is 82 years old now, has become a grandmother again. She loves it and wouldn't trade it for anything. It is so nice to see them interact. My sister is now an Aunt. She is my relief valve if ever I need to go somewhere or do something without Jak. She loves to take care of him. Of course, he is always spoiled once he spends time with his Aunt or his Nana!
Jak was classified as a “special needs” child - he was diagnosed at birth with Strabismus (cross-eyed). That didn't bother me at all considering I am an RN and am well networked in the medical community here in Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Florida. Four months after his arrival to the U.S. he had eye surgery by a noted pediatric ophthmologist. Today he looks straight ahead without any signs of strabismus. He wears glasses now during this recovery phase but the doctor is weaning him off his glasses.
Jak is in 1st grade now at Wilton Manors Elementary School, a magnet school and a school that promotes diversity. The school has 24 nationalities enrolled including Jak. He was enrolled in school the third week after he arrived home in the U.S. It has been 6 months now since I brought him home. He speaks beautiful English and absolutely no Russian. He even takes Spanish class at school and comes home saying “Hola” and “Como esta?” and simple words like that as well the ability to count to 10 in Spanish. Talk about trilingual! He started taking tennis lessons this week. He is so active that sometimes I am just out of breath. But, you know what, it's just fine!
It was destined that Jak was to become a part of my life.