After trying for years to have a child but not being able to, my husband Mark and I adopted Sam, a sweet 3-year-old boy with striking blue eyes. But our happiness didn’t last long. During Sam’s first bath with Mark, Mark yelled, “We must return him!” as he ran out of the bathroom.
I was shocked. What could have caused such a strong reaction? I had no idea that this moment would reveal a web of lies and change our lives forever.
The adoption process had been very hard, with a lot of papers and interviews. But as soon as I saw Sam’s picture, I knew he was meant to be ours. His eyes and smile spoke right to my heart, and I felt a strong bond.
Mark seemed just as in love, and we couldn’t wait to bring Sam home. The first few days went well, and Mark even offered to bathe Sam. But everything changed that terrible night.
As I helped Sam into the tub, I saw that he had the same scar on his left foot as Mark. My world started to fall apart.
When I challenged Mark, he finally admitted to having a one-night stand four years before. It hit me like a ton of bricks that Sam was really Mark’s kid.
The news broke up our marriage. I was angry because Mark tried to hide the truth from me, which made me feel even worse. I hired a lawyer and filed for divorce because I was determined to get full custody of Sam.
The split went through quickly, and Mark gave up his parental rights without a fight. As Sam got bigger, he would sometimes ask about his dad. I told him that Mark’s absence didn’t mean anything bad about him.
As the years went by, Sam grew into a truly great young man. Mark’s random emails and birthday presents made me think of what might have been, but I was set on what I wanted to do.
A lot of people ask me if I feel bad that I didn’t leave Mark right away. My answer hasn’t changed: Sam was and always will be my son, even though he betrayed me. I decided to love Sam and be there for him no matter what.
Fate took a strange turn in the end and gave me a son who loves me no matter what and the strength I didn’t know I had.
