The artifact I want to present today is a stuffed animal dragon I received when I was officially adopted in court by my two dads Kevin and Joseph. As a child, I saw it as nothing more than a gift and perk of being adopted, appreciating the experience because of the tangible rather than intangible gains. While this experience would completely change my path in life, at the time I had no idea of the magnitude and was simply happy to receive another stuffed animal to add to my collection. However, looking back on the experience and through the same stuffed animal dragon on my bed, it’ s more than a fun memory but a symbol of community. Community in the form of my parents and new family I was welcomed into; all the new aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and family friends who were there to celebrate this experience; and even the judges and social workers who, by giving me this very stuffed animal and fighting for my best interests in mind, fundamentally changed my path in life to one of joy and success.
This stuffed animal is a symbol of my journey and a reminder of all the people who have fought for and supported me in life to build a brighter future for myself.