Daniel’s posture stiffened. “An accident?”
“It was a terrible crash,” Doña Carmen whispered, clutching a handkerchief in her trembling hands. “The impact caused severe physical injuries and brought on premature labor. Lucía was rushed to the regional hospital, where the medical team worked tirelessly to save both her and the baby. They managed to deliver Sofía, but Lucía’s body couldn’t withstand the internal trauma and blood loss. Before she lost consciousness, she pleaded with the hospital social worker to protect her baby and find her a safe, loving home.”
Doña Carmen explained that because Lucía had no formal spouse listed on the birth records and Doña Carmen herself suffered from advanced age and severe health issues, state child welfare authorities stepped in immediately. Given Sofía’s medical diagnosis of Down syndrome along with early respiratory complications resulting from her premature birth, she was transferred to the specialized pediatric facility in Querétaro. The legal guardianship was assumed by the state agency while they searched for permanent adoptive parents.
“I wanted to keep her, Daniel,” Doña Carmen wept softly. “I tried to apply for custody, but the legal requirements were overwhelming. My house was in disrepair, I had no steady income, and my medical history disqualified me. The social services team explained that Sofía needed specialized early intervention therapies, pediatric cardiology follow-ups, and an environment with complete financial stability. I had no money for legal representation or proper home repairs. I couldn’t even afford to hire a specialized truck injury lawyer to pursue the insurance claim against the commercial fleet that caused the collision.”…
