Gay Couple Adopts Boy Rejected by Many Families over the Christmas Holidays: 'Most Sacred Gift'
There was a time when a little boy had no family and no one else to call his own. His birth parents had abandoned him, and no adoptive family wanted to take him in. Then one day, his life changed when a gay couple opened their hearts and home to him.
Steve and Kris Vella Grima were oblivious to what the universe had planned for them. They firmly believed in the institutions of love and family, but even they couldn't have known how beautifully everything would fall into place, filling their lives with everlasting joy and gratitude.
It all began when they met a baby boy who captivated their hearts, so much so that they knew taking him home was their one true calling. From the beginning, the duo's journey had been anything but easy; still, something about that baby inspired them to keep fighting.
A Tough Childhood
The child's name was Ben, and he had been through a troublesome childhood. He experienced a challenging life, from facing abandonment by his biological parents to feeling unwanted at the hands of numerous adoptive families who were reluctant to take him in.
After that, the duo went on to foster another child in 2018—a beautiful two-year-old girl.
Meeting Their Son
Although Ben was too young to understand the lack of love and acceptance with which he was usually met, fate had a different plan for him. In 2015, he was barely an infant when Steve and Kris laid eyes on him and couldn't help but fall irrevocably in love with his sweetness and innocence.
Little Ben had Down Syndrome and a heart of gold, and his big, bright eyes were filled with loneliness and longing for a forever home and a loving family. Fortunately, he found both when he met the Grimas, and soon afterward, his life changed most remarkably. What followed next wasn't hard to guess.
Setting a New Record
In 2016, Steve and Kris broke stereotypes and set a new record when they became the first gay couple in Malta to adopt a child. Ben finally had a stable and protective home environment with two caring fathers equally reciprocating their happiness and love.
Regarding their sweet boy, Kris expressed, "We thank God that he gave us Ben." The Grimas said they had a supportive network of family and friends they could count on when things became overwhelming. Furthermore, Steve shared that Ben gave their lives a profound sense of purpose and belongingness.
Growing Up with Loving Grandparents
In addition to his devoted dads, Ben also enjoyed being pampered by his grandparents, Steve and Kris' parents, who loved being around him and smothered him with hugs and kisses. But that wasn't all.
The adorable boy had his own room, stacked with an exciting collection of entertaining and educational elements, including books and toys. His day was never tedious or devoid of fun, and he always had something new to learn.
Surviving the Waiting Period & Growing Their Family
There was a time when, like many couples, Steve and Kris were on the waiting list to adopt a baby, and somewhere deep down, they were tired of the delays and lack of answers. Unbeknownst to them, Ben was the missing piece in their family's puzzle—the angel who filled their world with magic.
The Malta couple's unwavering dedication and affection toward their son became an inspirational story, and many considered them role models when it came to embracing and celebrating the beauty of diversity. After that, the duo went on to foster another child in 2018—a beautiful two-year-old girl.
A Challenging Journey
Throughout their journey as a gay couple, Steve and Kris faced many struggles, which only strengthened their bond and made them the best versions of themselves. Kris recounted:
"We went through hell; we were made to move into an underground life, playing invisible and made to feel disgraced."
His First Christmas with His New Family
But despite the hardships, the Malta residents were grateful for their beautiful family and admitted that they wouldn't trade it for anything. After joining the Grimas, little Ben had hope of a better and brighter tomorrow and a healthy environment conducive to his physical and mental well-being.
Ben's first Christmas with his new family in 2015 was a memorable affair where he had a giant Christmas tree to decorate, coupled with presents, joy, and a never-ending dose of love.
On December 31, 2016, the Grimas penned an emotional post on Facebook where they thanked God for blessing them with Ben. They wrote, "You are the greatest, most sacred gift we have ever received, and we feel honored to share our life with you."
A Lesson in Love
Steve and Kris further stated that welcoming little Ben introduced them to a kind of love that they could only feel but not fully explain. Despite the criticism and speculation, the Malta daddies always vowed to love, support, and protect their boy and teach him the same. They mentioned:
"We wish you to LOVE, to LOVE with limitlessness to gender, age, color, class, status, disability and any other form. Just LOVE."
The Online Appreciation
Many netizens were touched by Steve and Kris' story and their undying love and affection for their adoptive son. They shared their thoughts and feelings in the comment section on Facebook:
"All the best Steve and hubby and Ben , what a mobile thing you've done, he's the luckiest boy in the world xxx awguri (sic)."
— (@peter.p.muscat) December 25, 2016
"Happy new year Kris and Steve. And keep up the good work with Ben . May God be with you through every path you take. Ben has the best parents ever. Love you All xxxxx (sic)."
— (@ruth.debono.3) January 1, 2017
"Ben is such a lucky child!! So happy for you Kris that not only you have achieved your dream of having the love of your life Steve by your side but also having achieved the biggest dream of having a child to hold and cherish.. sooo happy for you my friend you deserve a lot more kids haha (sic)."
— (@bridget.mamo) December 31, 2016
"Love can never be wrong Kris and Steve. Only those who fail to see it are the ones who err. I wish you and your beautiful family more love and infinite kisses... Xxxxxxx (sic)."
— (@nadia.mercieca.5) January 1, 2017
What are your thoughts on this story? If you support Steve and Kris' decision to give Ben a permanent and loving home, please don't forget to share your valuable feedback. Click here to read another story about a gay couple who adopted a baby girl after ten families rejected her.