My name is Maddie, I'm currently 12 years old, I've been living on the streets after I lost my parents, in 1993, two years ago. I was eating at a homeless shelter when I saw a very tall man handing out food.
When I got up to him, he smiled at me, I smiled back. We didn't talk, I sat down at a table and started eating. After I was done, the director, Wendy, came over to me and said 'someone wants to me you'
I walked over to the tall man I saw earlier. 'Maddie, this is Erik. He is the one who paid for this shelter.' I shook his hand 'Hi, I'm Maddie' 'I'm Erik' Erik and I spoke for a while getting to know each other. He's 25 years old, he comes from a rich family, but always wanted to give back.
Three months later
I moved in with Erik about a month ago, he spoke with Wendy about adopting me. He's really a great guy and he's funny. He's the big brother I never had, now he's also my new dad.
I'm now Maddie Menendez, and legally, Erik's my dad. He said I can call him Erik or dad or whatever I'm comfortable with. I also volunteer with him at the shelter nearly everyday.
I'm glad we met because now I have a home.
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