The empty nest syndrome can leave parents searching for a new purpose in life.
It’s knowing that all those years of parenting stop becoming routine as soon as your kids flap their wings and fly. Life afterward definitely takes some time and getting used to.
Some like to pick up hobbies like surfing or even awesome DIY projects. Others, like Pam and Gary Willis, decided they missed being parents and tackled the challenge of fostering 7 siblings who had all suffered a terrible tragedy.
Having raised five biological children of her own, Pam was truly heartbroken to learn about the story of these 7 siblings whose parents died in a car crash.
“I saw how much these kids needed someone to love them because they had no one else to go to,” Pam said. “I called the adoption service every week to show them how much I wanted to help these children.”
Like a worried mother, Pam made sure to keep calling and letting the services know that she would do anything in her power to help provide for the children. One lucky day, her determination and hunger for support were rewarded.
Pam and Gary were able to bring home the children!
Adelino(15), Ruby (13), Alicia (8), Anthony (7), Aubriella (6), Leo (5), and Xander (4) were welcomed with open arms to their new home.
Ever since that fateful day, the kids have been adjusting well to their new life as a family.
The family has enjoyed time in Disney Land resorts and has bonded tremendously ever since.
The family also participated in a recent pumpkin patch event and it seems the kids were properly practicing safe mask etiquette!
Here we can see the siblings enjoying a nice pasta bowl together and happily enjoying each bite along the way.
Remember those kids who flew out of the nest?
Well, they came back all grown and very eager to celebrate the adoption of their new 7 siblings. The second-chance parents are extremely proud of their 12 children and look forward to cherishing their time together.
“13 months of sharing our story. So much support and love from you all! I am humbled.” Pam posted on her instagram. “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’!”
A family this big is sure to come with its obstacles and challenges. After all, they are all individual personalities and need as much attention as possible.
Given that all siblings are under the age of 18, it must have been a struggle managing all that energy under one household. Regardless, the couple claimed they would not change a single thing, and embraced all levels of adversity that would come about raising a large family.
“We have never looked back since the day We met them and never doubted what we’re doing is the right thing to do,” Pam said. “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.”
Giving back to the next generation is what it’s all about.
Gary and Pam have inspired their children to love unapologetically, and in the process, giving them a life worth living after the horrific incident involving their late parents.
While they will never be replaced at heart, this family has grown so tightly knit that it’s almost impossible to break such a strong bond.
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