San Diego, California (CNN) -- A boyhood wish finally came true. But Maurice Griffin had to wait until he was a man for it to happen. At age 32, the California man was adopted Friday. "It was the best day in my life," Griffin said after the proceeding in San Diego Juvenile Court. "I fought for 10 years and finally the day came." Adopting the burly, muscular, mohawk-sporting man is Lisa Godbold, his one-time foster mother. "I was just overwhelmed with emotion," Godbold added. With a few pen strokes by Griffin, Godbold and Judge Richard Monroy, the adoption became official.
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Maurice Griffin, 32, is finally able to call her "mom" legally
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A Juvenile Court judge okays his adoption by foster parent Lisa Godbold
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Griffin had to leave his foster family at 13; he has been searching for them ever since
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Years later, his one-time foster mom adopts him
Despite several obstacles, Griffin and @placeholder never stopped searching for one another.