We Adopted a Little Girl – on Her 5th Birthday, Her Biological Mother Showed Up to Reveal a Shocking Truth About Her

Later, in the car, he said, “I would die for that kid. That’s probably not healthy yet, right?”

Six months later, a judge banged a gavel and said, “Congratulations. She’s your daughter.”

We painted her room soft green and built a small white bed.

I found sunflower sheets and cried in the middle of Target.

When we brought her home, she stood in the doorway and froze.

“All of it,” I said. “If you want it.”

She walked in slowly, touching the bed, the stuffed bunny, the tiny bookshelf. Then she turned and wrapped her arms around my waist.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

“You’re home,” I said into her hair.

“You never have to thank us for that.”

Those first weeks were wonderful.

She followed us from room to room, always a few steps back.

“Can I sit here?” she’d ask.

“Can I have more milk?”

Every time she wanted something, she’d ask, “Can I open this?”

Every time we said yes, she looked surprised, like she’d prepared for no.

She apologized for everything.

Continue reading…