It is with a very heavy heart I write this. Today the most amazing
thing happened for little Y... he was reunited with his birth mom and
their family. The story is long and convoluted but in the end that is
what matters. He will live and grow up in his land, in Ethiopia, with
his birth mother giving him the love and caring he deserves. Of course
we know this is the best possible outcome for our little man but are
also heartbroken at the loss for ourselves since we have come to love
him so much as our son. Moving forward with belief that somewhere
along the line we had a hand in reuniting this family....

This was the email that was sent out to friends and family after a long and heart wrenching week in Ethiopia for our supposed court date for Yisak. I am somewhere between denial and anger.. mixed in with utter sadness. I know that we will find peace in this someday and that each day that will become easier. Aaron and I both just keep thinking that the phone will ring and we will be told that it was all a mistake. That we passed court and will be bringing Y home soon. Ugh the hole in our hearts is gaping at this point. My greatest wish in all of this is that he is well cared for from here on out. He did not get dealt the best cards for the first months of his life and it was evident in his frail body.. but that smile is a winning smile and babies are resilient. So we send strength to his birth mom and surrounding family to never lose sight of him again, to hold him and love him, care for him and stimulate him as he grows. May he thrive and fill that smile with experiences of joy and know that we will always love him in the deepest places in our hearts.