Our family drove several states to celebrate my sister Erin’s new baby, Noah. I brought baby gifts and Teddy for my goddaughter Lily, whom Erin adopted two years earlier.
But when we arrived, Lily’s slide, garden, toys, and photos were gone. Confused, I asked, “Where’s Lily?” Erin coldly replied, “I gave her back.” She said, once she had Noah, she didn’t need Lily anymore and that they’d find her another family.
Shocked, our parents were speechless. Erin’s dismissive attitude—treating Lily like a disposable toy—hurt deeply. Memories of Lily supporting me during miscarriages flooded back.
Before we could react, two child-protective agents knocked. A neighbor had reported Erin for abandoning Lily without proper counseling. They investigated her capacity as a parent.
I left, determined to find Lily. With my lawyer’s help, we located her in foster care. I secured visitation rights and initiated my own adoption. After a long process, Lily joined my family.
Last week Lily turned six. Though she still battles nightmares and food hoarding from fear, she’s healing. My husband Aaron and I are committed to giving her the love—stability—that Erin abandoned.