In one of the late Erma Bombeck’s books she writes about interviewing the mother of a lot of children. Erma asked the woman if she planned to have such a big family, and the woman answered, “Honey, nobody plans on invasion!”

We didn’t plan one either, but it happened — one child at a time — except for the time two kids showed up nearly simultaneously.

People expect you should be able to explain why you have 14 children. There is no pat answer. When I was a little girl I didn’t dream of growing up and having 14 kids. I wanted a big family. I thought six children would be fine. Then I grew up and married Mike. I didn’t know what his dreams were, but he also thought six children would be a good number. But when we got started, we learned there were all these children that needed families. And we needed them. We gave birth to three and added three more by adoption. Six! We had reached our goal! Then we doubled it and added another 1/3 just for good measure.

It worked well! We had both teams for basketball, plus some cheerleaders. If one child was stuck on homework, there was certain to be someone who knew how to help. Hand-me-downs didn’t even have time to lose the body heat before someone else was wearing them.

Our children are Caucasian, African-American and Asian. Some were born here, some in other countries. Some were born whole and healthy; others faced the challenges of severe facial and cranial birth defects. All add gifts and personalities that add pieces to the puzzle of our family. We are richly blessed!

When our youngest child started first grade, I knew it was time to finally go to work — after all those years of sitting at home “notworking!” Carol and I were acquaintances through church, and she knew of some of my history as an advocate for children and adoption. There was a need for a caseworker at Wyoming Children’s Society. She suggested I apply, and I did. I was and am amazed that I now get paid to help people build families through adoption!

Fringe benefits here at Wyoming Children’s Society are the greatest, like the one paid by Josh, a little boy who went to his forever family at age six. He had been in several placements prior to that, so he had had several moms and dads. Soon after Josh arrived home, his mom was tucking him into bed. They read the stories and were just enjoying some cuddle time. Josh looked up at his mom and said, “You’re my last mom!” How does a six year old get that kind of wisdom and courage?

Too many infants and older kids still wait for a forever home and their last mom and/or dad. That’s why I do my job! ~Ellen McGee

Ellen McGee was elected an “Angel in Adoption” in a ceremony in Washington D.C., September 26, 2000. She was honored by the Adoption Coalition, a non-partisan alliance of members of Congress, allied to bring focus to the advantages of adoption. The “Angel in Adoption” Award recognizes unsung heroes in adoption, those committed individuals who make such a difference for children in need across this nation.