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Hi, Stinky Face

Story ID:1956
Written by:Kristy Duggan
Story type:Family Memories
Writers Conference:$500 2007 Family Memories Writing Project
Location:Wichita KS USA
Year:2007
Person:my daughter, Kaci
Hi, Stinky Face
It was a special day at local science museum. Families gathered from across the state to celebration adoptions. Most were those who had recently adopted special needs children from the foster care system. Some were even able to finalize on this special day. The mayor even spoke about when he was a child in foster care.

Will spotted our judge in the crowd and was quick to ask to speak to him. I was surprised that he recognized him. We toured the exhibits as a family then gathered back in the main lobby for a balloon launch. Once again the twins saw the judge and asked to speak with him.

He didn’t appear busy so we walked over to him. He was pleased they remembered him. Speaking to my son, the judge smiled and said, “Now, I don’t want to see you back in my courtroom.”. Not wanting to intrude, I pulled my eager children away to go outside.

We walked a long way out to the bridge for the balloon launch. The judge was standing ahead of us taking photos of the event. The twins yelled, “Hi, Judge!” then, Kaci, in a moment I will never forget, shouted above the crowd, “Hi, Stinky Face!”

Kaci got exactly what she wanted; everyone (but not the judge) roared in laughter. In my embarrassment I couldn’t say a word. I hung my head and pushed/pulled the children further onto the bridge trying not to laugh even in my horrified state.

The balloons were launched. The judge was gone.

---

After many agonizing choices, Kaci finally found enough toys to pay for a copy of the picture book , “I Love You, Stinky Face” by Lisa McCourt. We mailed the book with a letter to the judge explaining that I’ve been calling Kaci, my Stinky Face, at bedtime ever since we read this book together.

He sent us a nice reply and copies of the photos that he had taken that day. Something tells me that my children won’t be easily forgotten in the our District Court.


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