The feel good story of the recent Haitian earthquake has got to be the happy ending for the children of the orphanage who survived the destruction only to have their adoption papers destroyed. The situation first came to our consciousness when CNN interviewed concerned parents who were looking for any information they could find on the children they were adopting. They had been awaiting final approval for the adoptions  by the Haitian government. Now, they were nervously awaiting word on the children’s survival or condition. Viewers heartstrings were pulled as photos of the children were shown on the screen, while the concerned adopters explained their plight.

The story took several turns and CNN stayed on it, breaking the news of the discovery that the children of the orphanage had indeed survived. Then came more speculation on whether or not the children would be released to come to the United States. Next came pictures of parents leaving for Haiti. News came that the children had been released. More pictures. The parents met the young children at airports in the United States. Video cameras rolled. Smiles, tears, and hugs were shared by all.

Yes, it is nice to find a story with a happy ending in the midst of so many unhappy endings. So maybe I should just dwell on that pleasant picture and end this blog here and now.

Nope. I keep thinking of the children laying dead in the streets and the ones who have had a limb amputated. My mind is focusing on the children who lost parents, are confused, are still in grief, the ones who are living in the street tonight. Had these children been living at the orphanage, there is a good chance they would be well fed tonight, tucked into a warm bed, kissed goodnight. But they weren’t orphans. They weren’t  whisked away by people who would get them and bring them to a new home. No, they will remain there in Haiti making do as best they can.

I guess I can feel joy for the kids of the orphanage and sadness for the ones left behind, simultaneously. I love happy endings, but the one concerning the children of the orphanage didn’t last long. Too much unfinished business remains.

Chick Moorman