I Prayed for a Child and Promised to Adopt a Baby—17 Years Later, That Promise Almost Broke Us

“Dear God,” I whispered, my voice trembling, “if You give me a child… I promise I’ll save one too. If I become a mom, I will give a home to a child who has none.”

I didn’t know if anyone was listening. But the words felt carved into my bones.

Ten months later, I held my newborn daughter in my arms.

Stephanie.

She was loud, red-faced, furious at the world—and very much alive. When she cried, it sounded like music. When her tiny fingers wrapped around mine, I knew—without question—that miracles existed.

I never forgot the promise.

On Stephanie’s first birthday, while balloons bobbed against the ceiling and cake smeared across her cheeks, we signed the final adoption papers.

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