Melissa Servetz always knew she wanted to be a mom. The former Florida teacher worked in social services for several years and saw the need for children to find a good home up close.She explained she started off volunteering at one of the children’s homes and then eventually inquired about adoption and later became a foster parent.
In 2015, Melissa became a foster mom and has since fostered about 56 children. Their ages ranged from babies to young children ages 5 and under. But the last four children she fostered were special and would later become her own adopted children.
Melissa adopted sisters Jade (2-and-a-half at the time) and Destiny (16 months old) first. Then, she got Matthew and Emerson when they were days old from the hospital.
Melissa admits that she didn’t set out to be a mom of four, but she was determined to keep the siblings together. And the bond the siblings have is “unbreakable.”
She admits that both fostering and the adoption process is a grueling journey, but, if anyone is up for it, they should do it! As someone who has both fostered and adopted, Melissa said both experiences come with ups and down, noting that her children go to therapy for trauma they have experienced as at a young age.
More than anything, Melissa is grateful for her motherhood journey. Turns out it was a win-win for all!