When my wife and I adopted little Ava, a 4-year-old with bright eyes and a shy smile, we thought we were ready. After years of trying to have children, she felt like a dream come true.

But just a month in, things got tough. Ava cried at night, refused to eat, and clung to silence instead of words. My wife, already exhausted, sat beside me one evening and whispered, “We should give her back.”

I was stunned.

She wasn’t heartless—just overwhelmed. We were both unprepared for the trauma Ava carried.

Instead of giving up, I asked for time. I read every book I could find, took parenting classes, and slowly, we learned how to reach Ava. We changed our approach, started therapy, and step by step, Ava opened up.

Today, she runs into our arms with laughter and trust.

My wife later admitted it was the hardest thing she’s ever said—but also the turning point that made us the family we are now.