Madonna recalls obstacles in adopting daughter Mercy in birthday tribute

Madonna has come a long way since the day she decided to adopt Mercy.

The Queen of Pop, 66, is now marking Mercy's 19th birthday by recalling bringing her home after battling the Malawi Supreme Court that did not allow divorced women to adopt kids at the time.

"Happy Birthday Chifundo-AKA-Mercy James! You are such a special soul," the singer wrote as she began the birthday tribute with a series of photos on Instagram Stories. 

 "When I met you, you were a tiny baby, underneath a mosquito net in an orphanage in Malawi. You were very sick with Malaria but you pulled through. I whispered in your ear that I would do my best to give you a home as soon as possible."

The Grammy winner then recalled the obstacles faced over a course of over four years to finally be able to adopt Mercy.

"4 1/2 years later after battling with the Supreme Court in Malawi because they did not allow divorced women to adopt children. You came to live with us," she continued. 

"You arrived with your hand in your mouth silent and refusing to speak. Who knew that you would grow up to be the kindest person with the biggest heart and the most infectious laugh."

The mother-of-six concluded the post with a few more words of appreciation for her daughter, calling her a "talented musician," "accomplished photographer" and "the most sensible of all my children."

"You are the one that everyone goes to for advice, or a shoulder to cry on," she said. "You hold a special place in the heart of everyone that knows you. Especially me," she added with a string of birthday emojis.

Madonna is also mom to five other children, including her first child, Lourdes, 28, with her then-boyfriend fitness trainer Carlos Leon; son Rocco, 24, whom she shared with director, ex-partner Guy Ritchie; and adoptive son David, 19, daughter Mercy, and twin daughters Stella and Estere, 12.