Melissa Servetz had a lifelong calling to become a mother. After her career as a teacher in Florida, she transitioned into the field of social services. This is where she witnessed firsthand the urgent need for children to find loving homes. Her journey began with volunteering at a children’s home, and her dedication eventually led her from fostering to exploring adoption.
In 2015, Melissa officially embraced the role of a foster mom. Now providing care and support to approximately 56 children, spanning from infants to young ones aged five and below. However, the most profound chapter of her fostering journey unfolded with the last four children she welcomed into her home as they would go on to become her cherished adopted children.
Melissa lovingly cares for four wonderful children: Jade, aged 8, Destiny, aged 6, Matthew, aged 4, and Emerson, aged 2
“I was single and I was just [like], ‘Why not? Let’s do it,‘” Melissa shared. “‘Let’s try to help kids who really don’t have a safe place to call home.’” Melissa’s journey began when she adopted sisters Jade, who was 2-and-a-half years old at the time, and Destiny, who was just 16 months old.
Later, she welcomed Matthew and Emerson into her family when they were only days old, having taken them from the hospital. Melissa’s path to motherhood may not have initially led her to a family of four, but her unwavering determination to keep these siblings together became her driving force.
The unbreakable bond that now exists between these siblings is a testament to her love and dedication. “Actually, I did not see myself as a single mom of four, maybe two, you know,” Melissa said. “But there was no way I could let the boys go to someone else and be away from their siblings. There’s no way.”
Melissa openly acknowledges that both fostering and the adoption process can be incredibly challenging journeys
However, she firmly believes that for those who are willing and able to take on this important mission, it’s a path worth pursuing. Drawing from her personal experiences of both fostering and adopting, Melissa highlights the rollercoaster nature of these endeavors. Characterized by both highs and lows.
She notes that her children, having faced trauma at such a young age, now receive therapy to help them heal and thrive. “Adoption and foster care does pull on your heartstrings,” Melissa said. “But at the same time, you know you’re doing something and you’re helping that child in the moment that they need you the most.”
Read: Woman Who Fostered 600 Kids in 50 Years Took in Anyone—Regardless of Age or Medical Condition
Melissa extends her heartfelt encouragement to other single families, urging them to seriously contemplate the possibility of adoption
She emphasizes the invaluable role that online communities have played in providing her with a robust support system, alongside the unwavering support of her parents and friends. Above all, Melissa expresses immense gratitude for her unique journey into motherhood, underscoring that it has been a win-win situation for everyone involved.
“This has been [to] my benefit too because I became a mom; a forever mom,” said Melissa. “I have in my opinion the best children in the world. And I wouldn’t trade anything for that. I want them to remember that I picked them. I didn’t have to raise them but I chose to be their mom.”
Keep Reading: Gay Dads Adopt 6 Siblings That Had Spend Almost 5 Years In Foster Care