When Erin gave birth to her baby boy, our family gathered to celebrate. I arrived with gifts, excited to meet both the new baby and my goddaughter, Lily. But Lily wasn\u2019t there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhere\u2019s Lily?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Erin glanced at her boyfriend and answered casually, \u201cOh. I gave her back.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I froze. \u201cYou what?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a shrug, she said, \u201cI\u2019ve always dreamed of having a boy. Now that I do, why would I need a girl?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My stomach dropped. \u201cYou gave her back? Erin, she\u2019s not something you return to a store\u2014she\u2019s a child!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rolling her eyes, Erin replied, \u201cShe wasn\u2019t really mine. Just a foster kid. Temporary.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That was the moment I lost it. \u201cTemporary? You let her call you \u2018Mom.\u2019 You promised her safety and love, and now you\u2019ve thrown her away like she meant nothing?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But Erin just repeated coldly, \u201cShe was a foster kid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I was shaking with disbelief and anger. And then\u2014before I could say another word\u2014there was a loud knock at the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Erin\u2019s smile faltered. She opened it slowly, and standing there was Lily\u2014holding the hand of a stern-looking social worker. Lily\u2019s eyes filled with tears the second she saw me. She ran forward, wrapping her little arms around my waist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The social worker\u2019s voice was firm. \u201cErin, after reviewing your file and your decision to terminate this placement, we\u2019ve determined you are no longer eligible to foster or adopt in the future. Actions have consequences.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Erin\u2019s face turned pale. She tried to protest, but the words stuck in her throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I knelt down to Lily\u2019s level and whispered, \u201cYou\u2019re not alone, sweetheart. I\u2019m here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That day, the family celebration turned into something else entirely\u2014a lesson in what love really means. Erin had chosen to walk away, but I promised Lily she would never be abandoned again.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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