[VernRDH]

I am the wife of the BeachBears and have been letting him post up about our journey toward adoption of this little girl. I spent the better part of last night crying because of my anger and frustration over this situation. I feel terrible for my friend who is a) 7 months pregnant b) dealing with a stubborn old man c) has two extra people in her space challenged home and d) has really not yet been able to grieve the loss of her mother because of all that is going on. And she keeps apologizing to us because of what is going on. My heart breaks for her. She feels angry that her father is not being cooperative in working toward the ultimate goal-our adopting Gina. She also feels resentful that while her dad is so concerned with Gina, he completely disregards the rest of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

My feelings are this-when I saw Gina this weekend, it seemed like this was meant to be. She wants a mom and dad so badly. She calls the grandfather "daddy" because all the other kids at preschool had a daddy and she didn't. She took to us and our daughter (even though our darling was under the weather). As my husband said, it hurt to leave without her.
We had spoken to our daughter on Sunday morning while we were still at the hotel. A commercial came on for a community group that helps kids in foster care. DD looks at me and says, " is that where gina is going?" We told her that we hope not and that we would like her to come live with us. She was very interested and said she would share her toys and clothes. She said that gina could have the other bedroom. Today she told my husbands father about gina and the situation ( we were waiting to say anything until we had a better handle on things). He was surprised but pleased, cried a little even. DH's mom (who has passed) was adopted.

I want for this to happen so much that it hurts. I am angry that an 85 year old man who can barely care for himself is going to take a 5 year old 2000 miles from his family and not let us proceed unless we do it his way. We doubt very much that either birth parent is going to voluntarily sign off their rights. I am going to write a letter (per our attorneys suggestion) to them telling them about us and why we feel we are the best option for their child. I ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers while we await a decision.