Losing Isaiah

Desperate from crack addiction, Khaila leaves her infant in a box in an alley behind a crack house and promises to return. She passes out from a crack binge, unable to keep her word. The next day Isaiah is found in the alley and rushed to the hospital.

Isaiah is found by a passerby and rushed to the hospital after narrowly escaping a garbage truck. Doctors discover that he is addicted to crack cocaine due to prenatal exposure from Khaila's drug use. His condition shocks the medical team.

Khaila awakens and returns to the alley where she left Isaiah. She is horrified to discover that he is gone.

Margaret Lewin grows fond of Isaiah and ultimately adopts him. She brings him into her home with her husband Charles and their daughter Hannah, forming a blended family.

Khaila is caught shoplifting and sent to rehab, unaware that Isaiah is alive and living with the Lewins.

Three years later, Khaila completes treatment and confesses to her case worker that she abandoned Isaiah. The case worker investigates further and learns that Isaiah is living with the Lewins.

The Lewins hire a lawyer, Kadar Lewis, to contest the adoption and help Khaila regain custody of Isaiah. The legal showdown begins as both sides prepare testimonies.

Racial and cultural issues become central to the custody battle as each side argues for Isaiah's future. The courtroom hears about cultural awareness, fitness, and the possibility of a better home with either parent.

The judge overturns the Lewins' adoption and returns Isaiah to Khaila's custody. The decision is met with horror and sadness by the Lewins.

Weeks pass and Isaiah struggles to adapt to Khaila's home, becoming withdrawn and prone to violent outbursts. He does not yet feel he belongs with his biological mother.

Desperate for Isaiah's happiness, Khaila asks Margaret to return to Isaiah's life on a temporary basis and Margaret agrees to stay involved. They agree to share responsibility for his well being.

They embrace each other, both proclaiming their strong motherly love for Isaiah. The film closes with the two mothers playing building blocks together with Isaiah in a classroom.