OAK HILLS, Calif.
In a wedding ceremony, a couple exchanges rings and says "I do." An Oak Hills couple and 3-year old boy exchanged rings and said "I do" at his adoption ceremony. Jamie and Arthur Hodge welcomed a son into their lives with a little magic and a legal proclamation. The couple said the exchange of rings idea came about after their son Todd asked about their wedding pictures. The Hodges have fostered the toddler through the San Bernardino County Children and Family Services.
"He actually wanted to be in the picture. He said, 'mommy, daddy, and where is Todd?' And he was pointing out that he wasn't in the picture," Arthur Hodge said. As the day of his adoption drew closer, the inquisitive toddler proposed to them. "He would again say that he wanted a ring so that way he could get married to us too," Arthur Hodge said. Last week, Todd's dream of a family came true as he was one of nearly 100 children adopted at a finalization ceremony in Ontario. The annual event falls during national adoption month. The infinity symbol on the rings carries a special meaning for the new family. "We are going to be your new mommy and daddy forever, and you are going to live with us forever," Jamie Hodges said. Just like the photo that inspired the rings, a new photo will soon be placed alongside it as the Hodges plan to celebrate the holidays as a family. "It's the Thanksgiving we've been waiting for for a long time," Jaime Hodges said. The Hodges said they are keeping their foster care license open in the hopes of one day adopting a sister for Todd.