I have an adopted son. My wife and I adopted him when he was 4 years old and he is now 36 years old. At one time, about 15 years ago, we thought about adopting a Filipino niece or nephew of hers, but we never did. Sometimes I wonder how that would have turned out.
It is so heartwarming to know there are other people who made a difference in a child's life. I think you could have adopted that niece or nephew. If I could adopt another one I would have gone for it, but luckily my husband is very sensible and protects me against my emotions! We are both over 65 and can't run so fast anymore to catch a child!