A young couple is facing a tough decision about caring for their recently orphaned niece, leading the wife to seek advice on Reddit. She’s worried about possibly having to place the child in foster care.

The Sad Background

The wife’s story begins with tragedy: her husband’s sister recently died from a heroin overdose, leaving behind two children, Rose, nearly 17, and Lilly, just seven years old. The couple lives on the East Coast, far from the rest of the family in California.

Family Dynamics and Challenges

The mother-in-law, living in a small home in California with her boyfriend, is struggling to accommodate both children. Rose plans to stay on her grandmother’s couch until she can go to college next year, but Lilly needs a more stable, long-term home.

Immediate Concerns

Lilly’s living situation is urgent. The grandmother’s boyfriend is uncomfortable with Lilly staying in their cramped home, making it necessary to find a better solution for her.

The Couple’s Reluctance

The family wants the couple to take Lilly in, but the wife has concerns. Her husband has a demanding military job with long hours and frequent deployments, which would leave her primarily responsible for Lilly. She feels unprepared for this, especially since Lilly has ADHD and behavioral issues.

Personal Boundaries

The wife has always been clear that she does not want children, making her hesitant to adopt Lilly. She questions the fairness of expecting her to take in a child she has never met and to whom she has no biological connection.

The Ongoing Debate

This situation is causing tension between the wife and her husband as they try to figure out the best solution for Lilly while balancing their own limits and desires.

The decision is complicated, showing how difficult and emotional family responsibilities can be when unexpected tragedies happen.

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