The battle over what to do with little Elian Gonzalez, the boy who lost his mother and stepfather as the family made a desperate attempt to reach the U.

Wednesday, March 29, 2000

The battle over what to do with little Elian Gonzalez, the boy who lost his mother and stepfather as the family made a desperate attempt to reach the U.S., is far from over.

Tuesday, the boy’s Miami, Fla., relatives refused to promise an appeals court that they would return the 6-year-old if they lose their court battle.

In the meantime, the little boy’s father waits for some word about where his son will be spending the rest of his life.

The answer to where Elian will live is not an easy one. Both families seem to really care about this little boy and to want what is best for him. They just don’t agree what "best for him" is.

And even though some valiant efforts are being made to determine what the final judicial decision should be, American courts seem to be a bit confused about what the next step should be, too.

One fact is certain, however, Elian obviously has two families who love and care for him. It is too bad that an arrangement could not be worked out where he could spend some time with one family and then take a summer with the other, just so he knows that he is not losing more people who love him.

But until such a compromise is reached, officials, families and others will have to struggle with finding the right choice.

Where is King Solomon when you need him.