We are the Byler family
We have four biological children and two adopted children. We adopted Grace Adari from India in July of 2005. We first debated whether to adopt Grace Adari because of the expense but the agency said they could help us get a grant which would help cover the costs for India. This made it clearer to us that we were to go ahead and get Grace Adari.
When we first saw her picture she looked perfect in our eyes. Even though she was diagnosed with Arthrogryposis, and severe club feet; she was beautiful. We were told that she probably would be wheel chair bound for her entire life. We loved her immediately.
We picked her up from the escort at the airport. We were all there anxiously waiting for our first glimpse of our new two year old daughter. Our family, 23 year old Bobby and his wife Stephanie, Gwen 21 years old, Brett 18 years old, Bryant 16 years old, and Ben age 9, all wore stickers that said I am getting a sister! Everyone was excited, then she came through the door, tired, scared, and looking around with those big eyes. Our daughter-in-law took a picture of us the moment that we saw her; we were all smiles with tears in our eyes. Grace Adari screamed when I reached for her, and cried, I handed her to Bob my husband, and she instantly quit crying and cuddled with him, and there she stayed; no one could get her away from him. She reminded me of the little monkeys that you see at the zoo that cling to their parent. She was home!
We had a few difficult weeks with her diet and getting her to eat and drink. She is now three and eats everything. The biggest change came in February of 2006. On February 3rd, she became Grace Adari Byler, officially, and on February 8th she underwent her first surgery at the University of Michigan. They corrected her club feet, and she now is very mobile using crutches. We have more surgeries ahead, and the doctors give her an 85% chance of walking normally.
We cannot thank A Child Waits Foundation enough for your help
financially with getting our little girl home, and the difference it has made
in her life. You helped give her a family and mobility. She has so much potential,
and we know that she was meant to be in our family. We love her so much as does
everyone that meets her. Thank you for your great gift to our family, Grace
Adari!
Bob and Jan Byler and Family