After losing their parents in a car crash, 7 children were adopted by an “empty nester” couple from California.
Parenthood is the biggest blessing in life. It takes a lot of love, strength, wisdom, patience, and knowledge to raise a child, but it is the most grateful responsibility in life.
Therefore, when those little ones leave the nest, many parents find it hard to get used to the new life, dedicated solely to themselves again. One such couple decided to do the thing they are best in- and fostered 7 siblings who had all suffered a terrible tragedy in May 2018.
Pam and Gary Willis, from Menifee, California, have five biological children on their own. When Pam heard about the car crash that killed the parents of 7 siblings, she was heartbroken.
“I saw how much these kids needed someone to love them because they had no one else to go to. I called the adoption service every week to show them how much I wanted to help these children.”
She was persistent and determined to show her desire and power to help those children. One day, these efforts were rewarded.
Pam, 49, an attorney, and her husband, a US Navy veteran, welcomed Adelino(15), Ruby (13), Alicia (8), Anthony (7), Aubriella (6), Leo (5), and Xander (4) to their new home!
The mother said that it was “instant love” from the moment they met them. She looked at her husband, and they just knew “they were doing the right thing.”
They were used to helping kids in need, as they fostered children for several years. Yet, the sad story of these kids encouraged them to reconsider their adoption option.
When they came home, the kids had some issues with settling in, like gaining their trust and sleep disturbances. Nonetheless, the family soon bonded, and the kids have been “a joy” to have around.
They have already started calling them mum and dad!
After their trip to Disney Land, their connection became even stronger.
The ones that flapped their wings and left the nest soon came to meet their new siblings.
Pam said:
“My older kids were very welcoming and treated the younger ones like their own. It is pretty full-on looking after seven children so my older two daughters do help out whenever I need a hand.”
Now, these amazing people are the proud parents of 12 children, and they enjoy every minute of it!
“13 months of sharing our story. So much support and love from you all! I am humbled. Thank you for cheering us on through the hard days. Thank you for the positivity you share with us, Thank you for being my ‘village’!”
Yet, a large family always faces certain challenges, but they all claim they wouldn’t change a thing.
Pam added:
“We have never looked back since the day We met them and never doubted what we’re doing is the right thing to do. I have noticed how incredibly happy they are and that makes me so happy too because that’s all we ask for. The oldest of the seven, Adelino, said to me recently, ‘Thank you for giving us this life,’ and there is no other feeling like that.”
While the children may never forget their deceased parents, and they will never be replaced at heart. The new family has grown incredibly tightly knit.
In an effort to give them a second chance for a decent life and a warm, loving home, these amazing people teach their children to love unapologetically and enjoy life.
