A few years back, my daughter passed away, and I was just shattered. It was hard to keep going… My husband and I ended up living apart; the grief was too much. I lost my passion for everything, and the only thing I truly wanted was to become a mother again… So I decided to adopt. The agency arranged these initial meetings with different children, and I was filled with hope. One by one, I looked through the profiles until… I saw her. For a moment, my world stopped. In the photo was my daughter, just as I remembered her! I stared, hypnotized; the resemblance was incredible! In that instant, I grabbed the phone and scheduled a meeting… I was just trembling. Could this girl really be my daughter? Were these years a lie? But my thoughts scattered as Charlotte, or rather my Ava, walked in…
Eleanor couldn’t escape the memories of her daughter’s laughter in the dimly lit living room. The loss of Ava to cancer had a profound impact on her, making it difficult to move on. The grief and pain were overwhelming, leading to the breakdown of her relationship with Joseph.
All Eleanor could wish for was to be a mother again.
Five years after Ava died, she chose to adopt a child. Eleanor spent a lot of time on adoption websites and was drawn to a young girl named Charlotte. Charlotte looked so much like Ava – they had the same hair color and even similar facial features.
Eleanor didn’t hesitate at all and immediately called Grace Adoption Services.
“Hello, this is Grace Adoption Services. I’m Samantha. How can I assist you today?” a warm voice came on the other end.
“My name is Eleanor. I’m hoping to adopt, and a little girl on your website has caught my attention,” she said, scratching her head.
“We’ll set up an appointment for you to come in and meet us. It’s always best if we do this in person.”
Eleanor was quick to agree. “I’m ready to take that step,” she said. “I want to make a difference in a child’s life.”
On the day of the meeting, Eleanor waited nervously at Samantha’s office.
“It’s wonderful to meet you in person,” Samantha greeted her. “I’ve read your application and can already tell you’d be an amazing parent.”
Eleanor was questioned about why she wanted to adopt and asked many other questions about her background. Samantha also inquired about her partner, stating that a two-parent household had better chances of adopting a child.
Eleanor described how her connection with her former partner fell apart following the passing of their daughter, yet they were still communicating and working on repairing their relationship.
Eleanor left the agency full of hope to adopt Charlotte. She was confident her dream of being a mother again would come true, so she prepared a child’s room and bought everything Charlotte would need.
Eleanor and Charlotte met at the park. When Eleanor saw Charlotte in person, she was reminded of late Ava. Eleanor gave Charlotte coloring books and markers, which Charlotte accepted with a quiet “Thank you.”
The day was full of joy and laughter, and Charlotte expressed to Eleanor that she wished she could be her mother instead of staying in foster care.
Over the next few weeks, Eleanor and Charlotte grew closer as Charlotte came to Eleanor’s house, checked out her new room, and ate meals together.
Eleanor finally phoned Joseph. “Hi Ellie,” he warmly greeted. “I’ve been thinking of you.”
She informed him that she had important news to share and asked if they could meet the next day.
The next day, Eleanor told Joseph she wanted to adopt. “I can tell this is really important to you. It’s great to see you so full of life again,” he replied. “I can’t allow myself to be consumed by grief,” she stated. “We can’t allow grief to consume us.”
Joseph started having dinners with Eleanor and Charlotte and also visited them at their house in the following days.
Charlotte felt joy in her potential forever home. “You’re the best mom I’ve ever had. I don’t want to leave and go back to foster care,” she expressed to Eleanor. “I’ll always be here for you, my dear. I’ll be your mom forever.”
Finally, the adoption day arrived and Eleanor invited her closest family and friends to witness the beautiful moment. Joseph was also there.
During the hearing, Eleanor and Charlotte held hands in front of the judge while he completed the adoption process. Eleanor felt happy tears in her eyes as she gazed at Charlotte, knowing they were starting a new journey together.
Charlotte thrived in her new surroundings, symbolizing the love Eleanor and Joseph had lost in the past and the love they were ready to give.
Charlotte’s presence strengthened the bond between Eleanor and Joseph, leading to the rekindling of their relationship.
Eleanor was surprised when Samantha called her one day. Samantha’s voice sounded odd, and Eleanor felt worried because she sensed that something was not right.
The adoption agency owner disclosed that Eleanor, Charlotte’s birth mother, got in touch. She said that Joseph might be Charlotte’s biological father.
“What? Charlotte could be Ava’s half-sister?” Eleanor whispered.
“We need to confront Joseph about this,” Samantha advised. “If he denies it, a paternity test may be necessary.”
“Why does it matter if she gave the kid up?”
“She said that the affair was quick, but if the biological dad suddenly wants to be in the picture, she may want to challenge the adoption,” Samantha explained. “I just want to be sure nothing can mess with Charlotte’s happiness.”
Eleanor ended the call and went to Joseph, who was gardening. She shared Samantha’s message and questioned him about having an affair. Joseph admitted to a one-night encounter with a woman from a support group for grieving parents he had joined after Ava’s passing and their separation.
“It was a terrible mistake,” he confessed.
“You mean to say that you might be Charlotte’s father then if this woman gave her up for adoption?” Eleanor asked in horror.
“I left the group soon after she told me she was pregnant. But she might have given the child up for adoption,” Joseph nodded.
Eleanor felt a lot of emotions and inquired about a paternity test. Joseph immediately agreed, saying, “I will. I’ll take responsibility for everything.”
While they were waiting for the outcome, Eleanor kept talking to Samantha. Her new friend gently explained that adoptions are usually permanent in most places. When they finally received the results, Eleanor struggled to breathe as they opened the envelope that could alter their lives once more. She read it slowly, “Joseph is not Charlotte’s father! Thank goodness!”
Eleanor was amazed by the resemblance between Charlotte and Ava, seeing it as a special coincidence and an opportunity for her family to keep Ava’s memory alive through Charlotte.
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