Oy. This is a tough list. It is literally a list of 40+ medical conditions that a child may have. And we're supposed to go through and choose, "Yes, no, or maybe." Sounds simple, right. Ugg.
I spent nearly a week reviewing and researching these conditions. This week was one of the most depressing, difficult weeks of my life. Imagine sitting in front of the computer for about 10+ hours per day looking up a medical condition, its worst-case scenario, and how it affects the lives and families of those who live with it. It's a TOUGH process.
I did come across amazing stories of children who are so brave and are such fighters. I gained inspiration from families who walked side-by-side with their children as they navigated a life different than they had expected. Most of all, I gained a confidence that this little family in Colorado can be blessed by a child who has some additional needs. We completed this list with a lot more "Yes's" and "Maybes" than we had expected. And with each of those checks, we felt great about them - and even excited!
Please, if you have ANY interest in adoption, please consider special needs adoption. There are so many children with such a WIDE variety of needs. Birthmarks are a special need in China. An extra finger that can be surgically removed? Special need. A foot turned in? Yep - special need. Beautiful children with Down Syndrome are some of the blessings on this list. A large number of these kiddos have cleft lip and palate.
I'd love to answer any questions you may have, or, explore this beautiful website, www.nohandsbutours.com.
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