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At the tender age of five, Anna
witnessed the murder of her four-
month-old sister at the hands of her
stepfather. A year later, an intimidated
but determined Anna testified against
her stepfather, recounting the brutal
act to a horrified jury. With Thompson's support and
guidance, Anna took a winding
journey
through Residential Treatment, multiple
foster care placements, and
a list of
social workers and therapists.
Anna
envisioned a family that would
be
able to deal with her growing
needs,
her inability to cope and her
unprovoked anger. The Patricks, a
loving couple, opened their home
and hearts to her.
After nearly a year of testing the
Patricks' commitment with long
nights of tears, tantrums and threats,
Anna finally accepted what her new
family offered - their unconditional love.
Her behavior began to improve and
she was able to attend and excel in
public school. Almost two years after
leaving her biological family, Anna had
to appear in court again. In her
testimony, Anna softly told the judge
that she was willing to accept the
Patricks as her "forever family" and
to be called their daughter.
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