When my estranged father, who left 20 years ago, called from his deathbed, I was torn between anger and curiosity. His final wish revealed shocking truths.
I was getting ready for bed when an unfamiliar number called, followed by a text: “ALICE, THIS IS YOUR DAD. PLEASE CALL, I AM IN THE HOSPITAL.” My heart stopped. Dad? After twenty years? Curiosity won, and I called back.
“Dad?”
“Alice, it’s me. I… I don’t have much time.”
“Why are you calling now?”
“I need to explain… to ask something of you. But please, don’t tell your mother.” He revealed that my grandfather paid him to disappear because he thought Dad was a failure. “I took the money to secure your future.”
“Why didn’t you come back?”
“I couldn’t. But I watched from a distance, saw your graduation, your volleyball games.”
I felt my world tilt. “Why didn’t Mom tell me?”
“Maybe she thought she was protecting you.”
“What do you want now?”
“I need to see you, Alice. One last time before I go.”
I decided to go. At the hospital, he looked frail. “Alice,” he whispered.
“Why did you do it, Dad?”
“I thought it was the best way to secure a future for you. I wrote letters every year. They’re in a safety deposit box.”
After his death, I found the letters. They were filled with his regrets and love. I confronted Mom, who admitted she thought it was best for me too.
In the end, I used the money to start a scholarship fund in his name, honoring his memory and sacrifices.
20 families had previously rejected an ‘unusual’ girl before a single man adopted her
The story of this cute family of two started when little Alba, who was just 13 days old back then, was rejected by 20 adoptive families.
The decision made by all these people not to embrace the special little girl turned lucky for the 41-year-old Italian Luca Trapanese.
When he filled in the adoption papers, Luca didn’t really believe the social services would allow him to become the legal father of Alba as in the country where he is from it is not common for single, homosexual man to be granted custody.
But, as all those families didn’t want to adopt a child with Down Syndrome, and Luca was more than happy to have such child in his life, he took Alba in and became her legal daddy.
The moment he welcomed sweet Alba into his life, he became the happiest person on Earth. Speaking of his daughter and his case, he said it was very special because it “destroys stereotypes about fatherhood, religion and family.”
The journey of these father and daughter started back in 2017 and they are stealing the hearts of many ever since.
Luka has a heart of gold. He has been part of many social service programs throughout the years and volunteered at various organizations who help people with special needs find their place in the society. Among the rest, he was part of the foundation “A Ruota Libera” which provided assistance for children with Down Syndrome.
This was one of the reasons why Luca wanted to adopt a child with Down Syndrom despite not having a partner.
20 families had previously rejected an ‘unusual’ girl before a single man adopted her
The story of this cute family of two started when little Alba, who was just 13 days old back then, was rejected by 20 adoptive families.
The decision made by all these people not to embrace the special little girl turned lucky for the 41-year-old Italian Luca Trapanese.
When he filled in the adoption papers, Luca didn’t really believe the social services would allow him to become the legal father of Alba as in the country where he is from it is not common for single, homosexual man to be granted custody.
But, as all those families didn’t want to adopt a child with Down Syndrome, and Luca was more than happy to have such child in his life, he took Alba in and became her legal daddy.
The moment he welcomed sweet Alba into his life, he became the happiest person on Earth. Speaking of his daughter and his case, he said it was very special because it “destroys stereotypes about fatherhood, religion and family.”
The journey of these father and daughter started back in 2017 and they are stealing the hearts of many ever since.
Luka has a heart of gold. He has been part of many social service programs throughout the years and volunteered at various organizations who help people with special needs find their place in the society. Among the rest, he was part of the foundation “A Ruota Libera” which provided assistance for children with Down Syndrome.
This was one of the reasons why Luca wanted to adopt a child with Down Syndrom despite not having a partner.
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Finalizing the adoption was a difficult process as adoption agencies prefer “traditional” families over the non-conventional ones.
“For me, a disabled child is not a second choice solution, but a conscious choice with respect to my vocation and my abilities,” Luca said.
Alba is a happy child with a vibrant personality. She loves being around people and enjoys playing and dancing.
We are so glad that the perception of people with Down Syndrome is changing and they are considered valuable part of the society.
As for Luca and Alba, we wish them all the best that life can bring!
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