No one had claimed Clara, so all of their wealth — estates, investments, cars, and properties — was legally hers. The men offered to move us into a mansion, hire a staff, and provide anything Clara needed. But I looked down at her in my arms and knew one thing for sure: I didn’t adopt her for money. I adopted her because I loved her. So I said no.

I sold the mansion, the cars, and the luxury items — and used the money to create The Clara Foundation, a nonprofit for children with Down syndrome. I also built the animal sanctuary I’d always dreamed of, right beside my house. Clara grew up in that simple home, surrounded by love, animals, and purpose. She painted, played the piano, got into trouble, made friends, and always proved people wrong. Doctors said she might not speak clearly — yet she stood on stage at age 10 and gave a speech at a foundation event that made me cry.

As she grew older, she volunteered more at the sanctuary. One day, she came into the kitchen smiling and said, “Grandma, there’s a new volunteer… his name’s Evan.” I watched them fall in love slowly, sweetly. Evan, who also had Down syndrome, was kind and gentle — the perfect match for my firecracker Clara. Years later, they got married right in our backyard, surrounded by animals and laughter. I sat in the front row with a kitten on my lap, watching the girl no one wanted become a bride, a leader, and the love of someone’s life.

I may be old, my body may be slower, and my knees may ache — but my heart is full. Kevin and Laura still don’t visit. That’s okay. I have Clara. I have Evan. I have the sanctuary. And I have hundreds of letters from families who were helped by the foundation — proof that one brave decision changed more than just one life.

I was told I was too old, too broken to make a difference. But Clara proved they were wrong. Her tiny hand in mine that first day didn’t just save me — it gave me the purpose I never knew I still had.