My whole family drove across several states to celebrate the arrival of my sister Erin\u2019s baby boy, Noah. I brought gifts\u2014baby supplies and a teddy\u2014for Lily, my goddaughter, whom Erin adopted two years ago. Excited to meet my nephew, I was shocked when we arrived: Lily\u2019s slide and garden were gone, and all her toys, drawings, and photos had vanished.<\/p>\n
When I asked, \u201cWhere\u2019s Lily?\u201d Erin answered, \u201cI gave her back.\u201d She explained she didn\u2019t need an adopted daughter now that she had a biological son, and tossed Lily back like a toy. Our parents were horrified. Erin was cold and unapologetic, claiming Lily was \u201cmomentary\u201d and not really hers.<\/p>\n
Suddenly, two Child Protective Services reps knocked. They revealed Erin had rushed to end the adoption without proper counseling. They questioned her ability to parent. Erin and her husband insisted they’d followed the law, but the officials weren\u2019t convinced.<\/p>\n
I couldn\u2019t stay. I worried about Lily, so with my attorney\u2019s help, I located her in foster care. I got visitation rights and began my own adoption process. It took time and patience, but I finally adopted Lily. My husband Aaron and I celebrated as the adoption was finalized.<\/p>\n
Last week, Lily turned six. She still struggles with nightmares and food hoarding, fearing abandonment, but with love and stability, she\u2019s healing. Erin may have discarded her, but to me, Lily has become my entire world.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"