For many years, we were a childless couple, attempting but failing to conceive children. We’d become accustomed to the idea over the course of our ten years together. We both felt like we were ready for a genuine family, a family with children, at some point. We began visiting an orphanage on a regular basis, and one little girl named Lisa left an indelible impression on me. At the moment, she was seven years old. I began to notice her interactions with other children and adults.

Something about this gal intrigued me from the start. My heart skipped a beat the moment I saw her, and I didn’t even look at the other kids. She was, however, rather guarded, difficult to approach, and frequently shied away from me. I recognized that the child needed time, so this did not deter me. I continued returning, time after time. But months passed with no change. I felt compelled to shower this girl with love and care and to provide her with a true family.

Even though she remained distant, I adored her from the start. I decided to pay her one last visit and say my goodbyes one day. “I really wanted us to become a family, but I see you don’t want me to be your mother,” I hugged her. We might not see each other again.” Then, in a gentle voice, she implored, “Please, Mom, don’t go!” and began to cry.

We were never apart again after that. Lisa later informed me that she was frightened we’d do the same thing as her aunt and aunt’s friend. They adopted her but eventually returned her, saying, “We don’t need such a restless girl who doesn’t sleep at night and cries all the time.” It was at that point that I realized how much pain she had been going through and how difficult it had been for her.