Why I Ordered an Outdoor Bouncy Castle With 3 Days Notice for a 10 Degrees Day in November

Because Northern Irish bouncy castles are a spicy bargain in Winter. Because they scream special occasion in all of their bold plastic glory. Because we love an excuse for a party. Because we had one on our wedding day and my then 6 year old said it was the best day of his life. Because it was the best day of my life too. Because it was the day he asked if Paddy could be his daddy. Because I could never justify a bouncy castle on a single parent budget. Because this week my husband officially adopted my son. Because this is how we celebrate. Because our straightforward case was supposed to take 16 weeks and it took 22 months. Because it wasn’t straightforward. Because my body craves the weightless thrill of being catapulted into oblivion. Because my husband can now sign all the school permission slips. Because the last 22 months brought me to my knees in permanent surrender. Because a piece of paper changes nothing and everything all at once. Because the court capped the number on attendees. Because we are more than our 4 person family. Because we were carried here on the generosity of friends. Because every adoption story is laced with gold and grief in equal measure. Because we want to hold the gold for just a second longer. 

Because my son didn’t have a dad, and now he does.