We went to Carolyn’s parents’ house and, after a tense conversation, they admitted they had adopted Emma and raised her as their own. They had even kept photos of Carolyn and told Emma about her biological mother. Carolyn’s heart ached with guilt, but her parents finally agreed to arrange a meeting.The day of the meeting arrived, and Emma came to our house with Carolyn’s parents. Emma was calm and composed, but there was a curiosity in her eyes.
She knew Carolyn was her biological mother, but she had never met her. After a few awkward moments, Carolyn, tearfully, said, “I don’t expect anything. I just want to know you, if you’ll let me.” Emma, wise beyond her years, smiled and said, “I’d like that.”Through the meeting, Carolyn began to heal, and Tim gained a new sister. Carolyn finally got a chance to be part of her daughter’s life again. It wasn’t easy, and the journey was complicated, but it showed me that families aren’t always what we expect. They can break apart and rebuild in the most surprising and beautiful ways.