aftershocks

From Wikipedia:
Aftershocks are dangerous because they are usually unpredictable, can be of a large magnitude, and can collapse buildings that are damaged from the mainshock. Bigger earthquakes have more and larger aftershocks and the sequences can last for years or even longer.

We have gone ahead and disrupted the adoption of Kid #1. This is a controversial topic, like breastfeeding vs. formula or abortion vs. pro-life.

This placement failed because we were not prepared for the special needs Kid #1 was likely to have, and were not linked with one goddamn service or a shred of respite to help us withstand any of it. Add twins and an expensive, epic legal struggle to keep Kid #1 in our family, and we are burnt out, lacking of any hope, and cowering against any additional blows that may befall us.

We so sincerely hope that Kid #1 gets the help he needs, the family he deserves, and the peace he requires to succeed. We know he cannot prevail in our house, and it is as awful as you might imagine. Breaking up with a 4-year old that cannot understand "it's not you, it's me" sucks more than you will ever know. It may well kill me.