Michael's Story, Part 2

Within hours I heard back from our social worker. "Mason" was in Uganda. We had ruled out Uganda in the decision making process due to a couple of factors, including my medical history and the time in-country. We were fairly certain that yes, we did qualify for South Africa, the country we'd decided on, but we probably wouldn't qualify for Uganda. So, with a bit of disappointment, we let it go.

A couple of weeks later, in late November, I got a message from our social worker saying I know you have decided on South Africa, but I took a look back at your application and I think we can approve you for Uganda after we get a letter from your doctor -- Are you still interested in "Mason?"

We tentatively said yes, we're interested, but can we know more about him? And we're met with a surprising, "We can't tell you more until you're approved." So I immediately got on the phone to my spine surgeon, begging for a letter stating that my back problems are essentially resolved as soon as humanly possible.

Many of you will remember how distraught I was about waiting for this letter last year. I'm guessing that's starting to make sense now! We waited and waited and waited. Finally the letter came and it was great. The doctor said he saw no reason I would be unable to parent a child with special needs. I scanned the letter the moment it arrived and sent it off to our social worker.

Christmas morning, waiting to hear about "Mason"

We hoped and prayed we'd hear something by Christmas. But Christmas passed and still no approval for Uganda. Finally, the day after Christmas we heard something -- "Kelsey, the letter from your surgeon looks great, but he mentioned a history of depression. Can you elaborate?"

My heart sank.