The true danger surfaced while I was away on a short work trip. When I returned, the twins ran to me in tears. Joyce had visited with small suitcases and told them they would soon be going to live with another family. She had planted the idea that Mark and I might give them up. Mark confronted her immediately, and her lack of remorse made everything clear.
Weeks later, we set firm boundaries. Until she could acknowledge the harm she caused, she would not be part of our family life. The peace in our home returned almost instantly. Today, the boys are thriving. Mark proudly calls them “our sons,” and their adoption is already underway. When they ask if they’re staying forever, I tell them the truth: they are home. And they always will be.