Melanie made the decision to start a family when she was six years old. She was too little to remember her mother or father when she was two years old and placed in foster care.

What were their names, she asked herself repeatedly. Did they feel anything for me? She would sob and wonder, ‘Why didn’t they want me?’ But then, as Melanie had hoped, something lovely happened.

Melanie received visitors from a young couple and an assistant social worker. The man beamed and winked at Melanie while grinning.

Never before has Melanie encountered such lovely, tender eyes. The social worker introduced them as Gordon and Helen. They want to adopt you as well.

‘They actually do?’ Melanie responded, turning to look at the two and asking, ‘Why do you want to do that?’

Miracles occur when you least expect them.

Melanie’s question caught Gordon, the male, off guard, but Helen knelt down and said, ‘We want to adopt

you because we want the sweetest, funniest, and cutest girl in New York City to be our daughter.’

Melanie embraced Helen and grinned broadly, warmly, and joyfully. She had found a family who wanted her and were ready to embrace her for her own sake!

Melanie discovered having parents was both wonderful and terrible when she moved home with Gordon

and Helen. You had two people who were continuously showing you love and care, which was fantastic.

It was terrible because you had two individuals who were continuously showing you love and attention and keeping track of the things you did and didn’t do.

Melanie learned that she couldn’t get away with skipping class or engaging in any of the nasty but entertaining behaviors

she had displayed while residing with her foster family. There were so many kids there that anything seemed acceptable.

In a real family, nobody lets you get away with anything because they are worried about you! That was a happy realization,

and when Helen told Melanie she needed to clean up before supper, Melanie erupted in laughter and gave her a bear embrace.

Helen erupted in laughter. She yelled, ‘I have more reprimands for you, Melanie!’ Melanie pleaded with. ‘So I understand you’re worried,’

After six months, the tiny family’s daily routine became comfortable. They got to know each other. Melanie avoided causing a commotion in the mornings

because she knew Gordon worked the night shift. Melanie was actually horrified, not just acting scared, so Gordon learnt not to scare her with fictitious spiders.

Gordon and Melanie also enjoy peanut butter cookies, Helen learned. They would compete to see who could eat

the most quickly by sitting on the back porch and devouring an entire jumbo package of cookies in less than five seconds.

They all came to understand what it meant to have a content family.

Then, a terrible tragedy transpired. Gordon required several weeks of hospitalization after suffering an injury at work. As the days went by, Helen worried more and more.

Young Melanie was a smart person. She knew that doctors were pricey. Late at night, she snuck into her room and gave Helen a hug after hearing her sob.

Helen would reply softly, ‘Thank God for you, Melanie,’ and kiss her.

Gordon got well and went back home, although he needed crutches to get around. The bills started arriving at that point.

They were stacked up on the dresser, and Helen regarded them anxiously. Gordon mumbled, ‘We’ll figure it out.

Gordon, all of our money is gone, she said. I feel afraid. It’s not just us anymore. What if Melanie needs something and we can’t afford it?

Helen was wrapped by Gordon’s arms. My dear, believe in God, he said. What’s up with Melanie’s dejected expression, I asked? There shouldn’t be a supply of peanut butter cookies on the top shelf, right?

One early morning, Melanie woke up with a start. The joyous whistle had been blown directly into her ear by someone! She suddenly awoke and peered about.

Balloons were all throughout her room! Near the foot of the bed, Gordon (yes, he was awake!) and Helen were beaming and sporting amusing party hats. They yelled, ‘HAPPY BIRTHDAY!’

Melanie started grinning. I had no idea it was my birthday!’ Say ‘Get up, get up!’ Gordon cried out. ‘A surprise is coming,’

Gordon, Helen, and Melanie entered the dining room when Melanie got up. A big banner that read, ‘Happy Birthday Melanie!’

was hanging on the wall. And on the table was the most stunning birthday cake she had ever seen!
What about me? Melanie made a low sound.

As she drew nearer, she saw the cake’s silver text and surrounding stars that read, ‘Happy Birthday, Melanie.’

‘That carries my stamp!’ Melanie exclaimed as she sobbed uncontrollably. She started sobbing so loudly that Helen and Gordon were startled and alarmed.

Melanie, excuse me,’Gordon said. ‘What’s wrong, honey?’

‘I’ve never eaten cake!’ Melanie started crying. ‘Does this mean you think the world of me? Do you really, deeply adore me?

Melanie was ringed by Gordon and Helen. Of course we love you, Helen exclaimed. ‘WE CHOSEN YOU! We wanted YOU out of all the small females in the world!’

Melanie had the happiest birthday of her entire life, albeit she did have a little stomach ache from eating too much cake.

The family was getting ready to depart for church the following Sunday when the doorbell rang. There was a tall man standing.

He asked Helen, ‘Are you Melanie’s biological mother?’Helen responded, ‘Sure,’ The question “What is your name?”

‘I know her late father,’ the man said. ‘I’d like to see her too,’ Helen cried out, ‘You can’t take her.’

She was a gift from the court to us.
The man said softly, ‘I don’t want to take her away. “All I want is to see her,’ he said.

Gordon and Helen were sitting in the lounge holding hands as the man talked to Melanie. ‘My darling,’ he said.

I think when you become older you’ll be able to understand the story I’m about to tell you better. Melanie said, ‘I’m seven,’ with pride. ‘I’ve only just turned seven!’

The man responded with a smile, ‘I understand. ‘I was there when you were born. Melanie, you should be aware of your parents’ adoration for you. But when you were a year old, your mother passed away.

‘Your father soon discovered he was critically ill. He begged me to sell all he owned so that he could make sure he did everything in his power for you.

Melanie received a piece of paper from the man.When you were 18 or were adopted by a reputable family, Dad wanted me to give you this money.

Gordon and Helen are wonderful people that genuinely care about you. This is intended for you and your expanding family.

Helen sobbed as Melanie handed her the document. It was a check for $40,000. When they most needed it, Melanie’s birth family had reached out to her new family.

Miracles consequently happen when you least expect them. After losing hope, Melanie was adopted by a lovely couple, and then her birth parents gave her an unexpected gift.

A family is built on the principles of love and acceptance. Despite the fact that they were not related, Melanie, Gordon, and Helen created a wonderful family because they loved each other so much.