All children have the right to have their basic needs met and the opportunity to live in a safe and loving home. Unfortunately, not all children are born into such a happy environment. Many children are placed in foster care facilities because they are worried about their future.
An extraordinary woman, former educator and single mother, Melissa Servetz has dedicated five years to community service. She opened her heart and home to accept underprivileged children, a total of 56 children to date.
But little did she know that four of her children would have a significant impact on her life. Melissa’s maternal instincts kicked in when she considered adopting another child. She had always dreamed of being a mother, so it broke her heart to see her four adopted children survive. She couldn’t stand the idea of them breaking up.
Therefore, she decided to adopt all four of her cats, thereby fulfilling her lifelong dream and providing a loving home for these children. These children came into Melissa’s life as if by chance. When she was teaching in Tampa Bay, parents of her former students approached her and told her that some of her children needed temporary housing. These children were in the custody of the authorities and were about to be removed from their homes.
Taking a leap of faith, Melissa called her agency and told them that two girls, Jade and Destiny, needed foster care. She took Jade first and then Destiny a week later. But the story doesn’t end there. The mother of these children gave birth to two other boys, Matthew and Emerson, who also required foster care.
Unable to separate them, Melissa decided to adopt all four siblings so that no child would be left behind. Melissa was keenly aware of the trauma these children, especially Jade and Destiny, suffered when they were abused.
All received counseling to help the children recover and learn how best to interact with them. Melissa’s love and dedication to her children is evident as she describes them as playful, active, and enthusiastic, yet caring, loving, and kind.
“I want them to remember that I chose them and that, in my opinion, I have the best children in the world,” Melissa told Good Morning America. She believes her four children have a bright future.
The inspiring story of Melissa and her four adopted children (now foster siblings) shows us the power of love, resilience, and how one human being can help children in need. A reminder of how life can change.
