by Joyce...The longer I am alive, the more I realize life often does not seem fair. There are moments of great happiness and elation and there are moments of pain and sorrow. I've also lived long enough to realize, our struggles are often meticulously planned out to better prepare us for what's to come. I hold that last thought in mind as I follow this story. It seems so unkind. So unbelievable. Yet, it is real.
There is a little boy named Kirill. He lives in an orphanage in eastern Europe. His basic needs are being met, but as most babies living in an institutional setting, the surroundings are quite modest and he is void of the love only a family can give. And this is where the story breaks down.

Kirill has a family waiting for him. They have spent a great deal of time preparing, raising the needed funds, completing mountains of paperwork. They have even held him in their arms. On August 10, 2010, they felt that human attachment. They experienced that first moment when Kirill wrapped his arms around their necks. Their hearts are wide open with desire and love. This past week they returned to Eastern Europe to being Kirill home. Instead, their arms are empty. They were denied.
That's right. DENIED. The judge told them because Kirill has Down syndrome, he would be better off in the orphanage. In a cold sterile institution. I have been wrestling with this from the moment I first read it. For many reasons. Some to personal to share here. I just can't fathom how another human being could possibly think this way. By denying this little boy a family this judge has denied him the chance to ever experience true love. She has denied him the possibility of ever having a bond with a mother, of having siblings interact with him, of having a family support system, a real family to celebrate his birthday each year. She has denied him access to quality health care. All because he has Down syndrome.
My heart is breaking for this little boy. For the Davis family. Yet, they are not giving up.
Please go to their blog.
Read Kirill's story. Pray with all your might that something will cause this judge to rethink her decision. To change her mind. To realize that it is because he has Down syndrome that he deserves a family. A family to love him each and everyday. A family who WANTS him.