A Girl With Down Syndrome Couldn’t Get Adopted Until This Man Came Into The Picture
At just 13 days old, little Alba had already been rejected by 20 families. Meanwhile, Luca was struggling to gain permission to adopt because he was single. As though an act of fate, the two were matched together after every other possibility was met to no avail. Two years later, the father and daughter are inseparable. However, their journey stands out amongst most other parent-child relationships. Read on to see how this father and daughter are breaking stereotypes by proving that love truly is all you need.
An Immediate Connection
42-year-old Luca Trapanese had dreamed of becoming a parent. Moreover, his experience with ill and disabled people made him confident that adopting a disabled child was part of his life's purpose. This was only further proven when Alba came into his life.
At just 13 days old, Alba met Luca, who would become her adopted father. The bond was eminent. Recently, Luca told Bon Culture that he forgets that he ever adopted Alba because she is so much a part of him.
Made For Eachother
By the time Alba came into his life, Luca was already well versed in caring for those with special needs. He told BBC that at just 14-years-old he cared for his best friend, Diego, who had terminal cancer. Luca remained by his side and cared for him until the end.
This experience inspired him to start volunteering at a church in Naples where he cared for those with illnesses and disabilities. Alba's down syndrome was something he knew he could handle.
There Was A Legal Technicality
Luca had wanted to become a father for years. He and his partner, Eduardo, had planned on adopting a child with disabilities. The two were together for more than a decade before parting ways a few years ago. Still, Luca held on to his desire to raise a child.
Unfortunately, Italian law forbade a single parent from adopting. However, in 2017 the law was altered so that Luca could adopt a child on his own. Though he's single, he has the support of his loving family and friends.
He Was At The Bottom Of The List
Though Luca was going to be able to adopt, it didn't stop agencies from placing him last on their list of ideal parent candidates. The traditional families would be sought out first, and only after all of those families rejected the child would he be contacted.
While Alba being rejected by 20 families was sour news at first, it is precisely what lead her into the arms of Luca. He wanted nothing more than to care for her and raise her into the world with open-minded love.
The Situation Turned Around
Alba's mother left her at birth, and with her condition, it became more difficult to ensure she would be properly cared for. While her genetic parent may not have been up for the task, Luca was thrilled at the idea of being Alba's dad.
He told BBC that upon getting the news he was overjoyed and couldn't say yes fast enough. He also says that he was sure right away that he was ready to be her father, and that feeling was only confirmed when he held her for the first time.
They Bonded Right Away
As soon as Luca got the green light, he rushed to the hospital and picked her up. From there, he and Alba went to his family's countryside home where all of Alba's new relatives showered her with love.
These critical early moments in Alba's life allowed her personality to blossom. Today, Luca says that Alba has a strong personality. He told BBC that, "She would like to play and eat and dance all day long."
He Was There Through Every Step
Since Luca has been in her life since very shortly after her birth, he has been able to be there through every milestone of her life. He keeps her extraverted personality busy with outdoor activities at places like the park or museums.
Here you can see Luca carefully helping Alba, now a toddler, with her floaties. He's experienced every step of her upbringing as her sole provider, from learning to walk and talk to now learning to swim.
She Was Precisely What He Wanted
It's apparent in the photographs that Luca is very attentive to Alba and seems to genuinely enjoy her company. He told BBC, "Alba was never my second choice because she has a condition, I wanted her to be my daughter."
While Alba may have down syndrome, she is a very happy and well supported young child. For many parents, a well-adjusted child is the most important characteristic they could have, even if they do have a condition like Alba does.
Luca Has A Heart For Helping
Luca's experience with helping those in need brought him a significant sense of purpose. As a Catholic, he wanted to continue his meaningful work in the church. That's why at 25-years-old he spent two years studying to become a priest.
Everything changed when he fell in love. He left the seminary and founded his own charity alongside his partner. He knew he wanted to adopt a disabled child. Though he didn't imagine he would be single when he started a family, the journey has only strengthened his relationship with his daughter.
She Improved His Life
Like most parents, Luca's life completely changed when he became a father. While his life has become all about Alba, he says that she fulfills him. The joy that he felt when he first received the call from the adoption agency about her has lingered through the years.
While some look for happiness in a partner, Luca is content looking forward to his future with his daughter. He says that the two of them will have many wonderful memories together.
Being A Single Dad Is Hard
Luca admits that it's challenging to be a single parent. However, he also notes that many of his friends have partners who work and that parenting is also difficult for them. Regardless of the situation, many parents will tell you that it's the hardest job in the world.
Alba, like the happiest toddlers tend to be, is bursting with energy and curiosity. Luca devotes as much time as he can to feeding her mind, but sometimes they just need to have a nap session.
Proud To Be Her Dad
Luca states that Alba can be stubborn, which isn't far off from most toddlers. However, her assertion also reveals a level of confidence that is paramount for a child who had such an abrupt parting with their mother.
Alba's self-assurance is a testament to Luca's strong parenting skills. By putting her first and exposing her to all that life has to offer, he's begun building a strong character in Alba that will help her handle the trials of life.
Breaking Down Barriers
While Luca and Alba divert from the traditional family structure, their story brings to light what a healthy family really means. When it comes to love, Luca and Alba seem like the prime example of how beautiful a parent-child relationship can be.
Their story also encourages others who may be in similar situations. Some adults want to be parents and waiting to find a life-long partner doesn't seem right for them. Meanwhile, tons of children like Alba are in serious need of a family to call their own.
He Supports Full Autonomy
Luca's foundation assists disabled people with performing activities in order to help them achieve a more autonomous life. His approach to those with disabilities is apparent in his attitude towards Alba.
Though she does have down syndrome, they can be seen doing the same activities that any good parent would perform with their child, like visiting the zoo or playing in the ocean. His encouraging character is especially vital for someone with special needs, who might otherwise be made to feel different or less capable.
He'd Never Even Held A Newborn Before
Though Luca seems like he was born to be a dad, at the time he began the adoption process he was pretty scared. Alba was the first newborn he had ever held. However, when he did hold her, all of his fears melted away.
Becoming a parent is a huge responsibility. He knew that he could handle caring for someone with a disability, but becoming a dad is another story. Fortunately, Alba brought out all of the fatherly instincts that Luca needed.
A Fun-filled Schedule
This adorable photograph was probably snapped by Luca's mom or aunt, who the two were staying with on holiday at the time. The caption details a blissful schedule that starts with Alba waking Luca up around 6:30 in the morning.
From there, the two spend their day at the beach and eating with relatives. The night ends with Alba fast asleep while Luca reads in the garden. He teases Alba saying that he can hear her snoring while he reads.
Now Alba Seems Like The Lucky One
Alba was met with more unfavorable circumstances in her first two weeks of life than many people face in years. Though she may not have fully comprehended it, she experienced rejection in the most fundamental way.
However, life managed to balance her misfortunes out by giving her a dad that some children would dream of having. Their joy radiates through their faces. While Alba's first introduction to the world was not ideal, the rest of her life will consist of love and support.
He's Sharing Their Story
Luca recently published a book in honor of he and Alba's touching story. The book is called Nata Per Te, which means "born for you" in Italian. The book goes further into detail regarding their heartfelt tale.
Choosing to publish about your personal life takes a lot of willingness to be vulnerable. However, the story is such an important one that it's worth opening up about. It's meaningful to see the love that someone has for a child with disabilities.
An Ordinary Family
As Luca and Alba's story becomes more internationally known, their unique family structure becomes normalized. Had the adoption agency refused to allow someone who was not straight and was not married adopt Alba, she might not have the loving parent she does.
While Luca never intended to adopt on the basis of challenging stereotypes (he really just wanted to be a dad), he acknowledges that the family he's created with Alba does just that. It goes to show that love has all kinds of forms.
A Lifelong Bond
Luca is sure that he will spend the rest of his life doing wonderful things with the child he loves. While he has considered the idea that she might want to do social work with him one day, he's willing to support whatever dreams Alba has.
While down syndrome is associated with certain health problems, modern medicine has made the disorder easier to live with. Alba will be able to live a longer life than ever before, and Luca will be by her side every step of the way.
