They felt an inexplicable emptiness, a hole that was filled when they saw the photos of little Melanie and decided to adopt her. They flew to the Philippines and since then their lives have been filled with happiness. Melanie has undergone various surgeries and now has prosthetic limbs. She leads a life filled with love and happiness.
This is a tale of love.
The Hayes family were going through difficult times, they felt lost and uncertain about the future. They were restless as despite having two beautiful children and a great relationship, they knew something was missing. One day, while they were on a family walk Nick said to his wife “Babe, while I was looking at the kids I felt like the Lord put a question in my heart”. The question: What if one of your children was on the other side of the world living in destitute conditions. What would you do? …I’m calling on you”
And it turned out that on the other side of the world was little Melanie who was born without hands, feet or a mouth opening and numerous other health complications. They didn’t know each other at all, but something brought them together. The family decided to take a chance on their hunch and enrolled in an adoption program for Filipino children. They saw the pictures of Melanie and simply fell in love with her so they gave her a chance and from that moment on, their lives were filled with happiness.
They were warned about adopting children with special needs and told that it would be best not to choose them because it would be very challenging.
But when they saw Melanie they didn’t see a challenging child with many problems.
They just saw a happy girl with a lot of love to give and they immediately knew that she was the one. The following day they contacted the agency and asked to adopt her.
Several months of uncertainty and waiting went by until they got the good news. They had to prepare themselves and their children both economically and emotionally.
In August 2018 they arrived in the city of Manila (Philippines)
When she was born Melanie was given a little chance of survival and quickly arrived at the shelter where she spent 10 years of her life, waiting to be adopted, something that would probably never happen. Her world was turned upside down when she found out she would have a beautiful family.
The family was now complete.
“We got out of the car and were escorted into a small room. Then, as if she’d always known who we were, Melanie confidently walked down the stairs with a big grin on her face. I probably looked sad (though I was completely overjoyed), as the tears ran down my face and the emotion of the moment overwhelmed me. That first hug was a statement, a message, and a relief all in one. It felt like an exhale. ‘Finally…. family‘”.
Kate Hayes told local media.
They hugged each other tightly, as if they known each other their whole lives.
They quickly built a caring and loving relationship and Melanie had no problems calling them Mom and Dad. They were her family and she had always known it.
In the blink of an eye, Nick was playing with her as if they had spent a lifetime together, building unbreakable bonds.
They were happy.
The days went by and they returned home, where they attend church and lead a completely normal life, albeit one filled with love.
Melanie has grown loads and has become a self assured teenager. She is a proud big sister, responsible and happy.
She now has prosthetic limbs and underwent surgery on her mouth and jaw a few months ago.
Looking back, the Hayes confirm that they made the right decision.
They heard her call, as if fate were bringing them together. Perhaps it was a miracle of kindness and solidarity. The most important thing is that they are immensely happy with little Melanie and their two younger children.