Vanessa's Journey Continues

Saying Goodbye in Arizona, October 2012

Twelve days ago we said goodbye to Vanessa and placed her in the loving hands of a new host family. In order to protect the privacy of my own family members as well as that of Vanessa I will not disclose the reasons why on this public blog. I will say that we cared about Vanessa from the first day that we met her and we continue to care deeply for Vanessa. As my husband stated on our interview with the 9 News Team prior to her surgery, we had every intention of being her parents for forever. There are however some things that are simply out of our control. 

First Time on Her New Legs at the Ronald McDonald House in Denver, CO

I can only hope that all of this was somehow part of the greater plan for Vanessa. Right now we are reeling from all that we have been through in the last two years. Our trip to Maison Orphanage in June 2010 was profound and it was on that trip that I made a promise to Vanessa that we would find a way to get her legs fixed. We immediately began contact with the then president of For His Glory Adoption Outreach to work on that plan. With the help of to many people here to name, and after multiple setbacks regarding visa applications that plan finally became reality when I was able to fly Vanessa out of Haiti in May 2011. What followed was a intense experience for both Vanessa and ourselves. She required two weeks of hospitalization at the Denver Children's Hospital who completed her reconstructive leg surgery as no cost. Our children and extended family welcomed Vanessa into our home with eagerness and compassion. It was the financial support and donated airline miles from grandparents that made her travel to the US and our early efforts to adopt her possible. At this point all the adoption expenses that we have paid to Lifeline Children's Services and Maison Orphanage cannot be reimbursed. We additionally personally covered the cost of Vanessa's visa application fees and continued medical expenses after moving to Arizona. 

Hospital Room at Denver Children's Hospital, June 2011

While I drastically wish that circumstances could be different for our family right now, I do not regret doing what we could to make a difference for Vanessa. Together we each learned different life lessons though our time with her, but most of all she reminded us to laugh and have fun no matter what has happened before. I made a promise to Vanessa that I would get her legs fixed and I always keep my promises. Vanessa, we Love You, and wish you the best of luck with your new family.

First Time Meeting Vanessa, June 2010