Photographs tell only part of his life story, a tale not even his parents can tell with certainty. James Andre PaulinÖ , a native of New York's Queens borough, graduated from a private high school in New York City, began studying business at an Atlanta college and then, much to his family's chagrin, dropped out to follow his dream of becoming a rap/hip-hop artist. ...more

January 8, 2008

The youngest of my three children will graduate from college in two days. It is the fulfillment of a dream for him, and a step toward what I know will be a bright future. I'm happy, and proud, and … sad. Yes, sad, because this is a huge sea change in my life. ...more

December 16, 2007

When the Burnside family took up residence in the suburbs of Sebring last year there was a noticeable blip in the county's population. Edward and Jennifer, who moved down here from Pennsylvania, were accompanied by their six children. Two boys and four girls ages 8 to 13. Three of the children were born into the family and three were selected to become members. Ed and Jenn, who like large families, decided after having their natural born children to adopt a child. They applied through the non-profit organization Adopt America Network and after about 2 ½ years were matched with a foster home child. Since they had said that they were open to adopting a sibling group the Burnsides eventually were approved to adopt three sisters all about the same age as their own children. "We talked to them on the phone a few times and then we all went to Dallas (Texas) to meet them," Jenn related. It was a match at first sight. ...more

October 13, 2007