KILBURNFLYER
Went to the wedding of friends of my wife yesterday and met the two delightful children that they had just adopted. Unknown to many they have been going through the process of being deemed acceptable to adopt children for about 5 years. That really made me wonder whether the process is designed to protect the children or more likely the arses of those who make the decision that you are an acceptable adoptive parent. They are two of the nicest people I have ever met and we must surely be able to devise a process that gets children and adopted parents matched up quicker than 5 years. I appreciate that the process has to be rigorous but it must surely be possible to do it quicker.

There was not a dry eye in the room when their newly adopted boy interrupted the master of ceremonies to propose a toast to "my mum and dad". This boy will go far - especially with the love and support of his new family. Good on you son, you made an old cynic tearful, my wife blub like a baby and your parents so very proud.