This has been on my mind all day. I was so moved earlier that I banged out a quick post while B was having his quiet time, although I know it isn’t very good. I so hope folks reading here will click over and get the details of this case. It is very heart wrenching. As an adoptive parent, myself, I have some thoughts for the couple that currently have Evelyn Bennett and are hiding her despite a court order giving custody to her grandparents (Stephanie’s parents). Correction: The grandparents had a temporary custody order that has since been overturned. Unfortunately no one went to bat for them enforcing the custody order while it was in effect.
As an adoptive parent I can very easily put myself in your shoes. Though I haven’t experienced it myself, this type of scenario is feared by many who consider adopting. My heart breaks for you. You have also been victimized by this agency. Please know that much of the outrage being expressed is directed at the agency and what they have done. And I have to wonder what those folks are telling you – likely not the truth. How can they look at you and admit how they acquired a child for you?
But if you’ve found yourself here, then you have access to the truth. I know I could not live with myself knowing I have a child by manipulation and coercion of a scared, vulnerable young woman. As painful as it is for you to think of losing this child, think how much more painful it has been, IS, for Stephanie and the rest of her family. They are fighting this adoption because they have been wronged. The agency you used was WRONG in what they did to Stephanie.
I know it hurts. I’m very sorry that all of this has happened and all the people being hurt by it. But the longer you hide Evelyn and prolong this, the harder it will be. She is not yours. You have to admit that to yourself. She is not yours. Evelyn belongs with her mom, Stephanie, and grandparents who love her very much and had every intention of raising her. This is a travesty, I know. And I feel for you. But, as hard as it is, you must choose to do the right thing. Do right by Evelyn, and Stephanie, and the rest of the Bennett family.
I am praying for this situation, for all involved. I pray for God’s wisdom and the courage to do the right thing. I pray for God’s comfort in your pain and grieving.
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. Psalm 23:1-4Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter,
you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
you will again bring me up.You will increase my honor
and comfort me once again. Psalm 71:20-21
It is so sad, the long term pain that this is going to cause for all of those involved – the adoptive parents, Evelyn, Stephanie and her parents all this so the adoption agency can make a buck. I really feel for the pain that Evelyn and the adoptive parents will feel in the future if this is not resolved. You can not hide from events like these forever. The deception and lies will live on and the possible good intentions of the adoptive parents will never make it right. Hopefully the adoptive parents will see the wrongs of the adoption agency and their agents.
A Child Waiting obviously does not care about anyone but themselves. I they did care they would see the extreme pain that this is going to cause all parties.
Evelyn is going to be returned to her family. She will be returned, I have no doubt about this.
it is horrifying that something like this can happen in this day and age. that poor young mother.