The Professor.

We wait with them here,
in a spacious home
like nothing we have known before.
The Baker greets us warmly,
warm loaves of fresh
pumpernickel bread on the table.
His floppy, old white dog
follows him happily,
then settles by the children's feet.
The children are safe here;
there is always a place
for any wandering soul.
Each room holds something
dear to each of us.
The library,
full of life and learning and
curiosity and hope.
The room of stuffed animals,
rescued with care,
ready for the next great adventure.
The garden out back,
neatly tended to -
marigold and moss,
sunflowers and roses,
magnolia and daises,
jasmine and orchid and poppies.
The scientist's lab,
quiet with concentration,
then loud with discovery and
frustration and questioning.
The painter's escape,
where there is no judgement
for any emotion felt.

This is home.
This is family.
This is all our hearts
have ever dreamed of.