Just one month after welcoming our 4-year-old daughter into our home, my wife’s words struck me like a bolt of lightning: ‘we should return her’ I was taken aback by her statement.
How could she say that after all we’d been through to adopt her? However, beneath her composed tone, I could sense an impending tempest—one that had the potential to shatter our delicate and newly formed family unit. What occurred during those brief weeks that caused her to question her beliefs and values? The solution was more intricate—and somber—than I ever anticipated.
Ultimately, this painful experience compelled us to face challenging realities about readiness, expectations, and the true nature of adoption. Although the choice to consider returning her back was emotionally challenging, it also paved the way for open and honest discussions about what is truly in the best interest of the child and our family.
Adoption is an incredibly challenging process, demanding patience, empathy, and an unyielding dedication. Regardless of what happens next, I hope we can discover a way to guarantee love, stability, and a secure future for this little girl, where she can truly feel like she belongs.