Handsome’s Story

The call came early in the morning. A tiny drug exposed newborn was at a local children’s hospital and needed a loving home as soon as possible. My heart began to race as I reflected on an innocent eleven day old baby fighting for his life (all alone) in the Neonatal Intensive Unit. I couldn’t drive fast enough and later that day I was leaving the hospital with my precious son.

The first year of his life was challenging at times and I was always so thankful for the support and genuine concern of the social worker’s at Kamali’i. Parental visits were tumultuous; he was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, and had numerous doctor visits for drug withdrawal and delays. In my heart, I always believed that surrounding him with love and a positive family environment was the best medicine for him. Our love was unconditional and we accepted him exactly as he was.

He is about to turn three years old and our adoption was finalized last year. To say that he is amazing is a tremendous understatement. He surprises us (and his doctor’s) daily with his progress and recently services (for developmental delays) were terminated because he has exceeded all of the goals that were set for him, yippee!! Most importantly, he is a part of us. A member of a family that feels blessed beyond measure to welcome him to a life full of hope and possibilities.