Father's Day may be over for this year, but don't try telling that to Brian Miller. For Miller, a single dad to adopted son Johnathan, every day is Fathers Day -- a day to celebrate his son, and the special relationship they have.

Today, Brian describes Johnathan as both is son and his best friend, but according to a June 19 segment on National Public Radio's "Morning Edition," becoming a family wasn't the easiest experience for either one of the Millers:

Johnathan was 7 when Miller adopted him, and he wasn't quite sure what to make of the experience.

Johnathan suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and didn't understand that the adoption was final. He feared that Miller might give him back.

Once when the school called to tell Miller that Johnathan wasn't paying attention, Johnathan ripped the phones out of the wall. He was scared that Miller might change his mind if he did something wrong.

On the flip side, when Miller tried to take privileges  like TV  away from his son, Johnathan would say, "Wait till I tell the judge this one." Then Miller would have to remind him, "It's over Johnathan, you're adopted. There [are] no more judges in your life."

Once Johnathan realized that his home life was, his behavior and academic performance began to improve. For example, when he was first adopted, he was a special education student, but now he attends regular classes.

Labels: adoptive parents, special_needs, fathers

Posted By: Aspen/CRC