"Empty Nesters" Couple Adopts 7 Siblings Who Lost Their Parents in a Car Crash

After a tragic car crash claimed the lives of their parents, seven children were taken in by a couple from California who had already seen their own children grow up and leave home. Parenthood is a profound blessing, demanding immense love, strength, wisdom, patience, and knowledge to nurture a child, and it remains life's most rewarding commitment. Consequently, when children move on, many parents struggle to adapt to a life focused solely on themselves. In response to this, one couple chose to embrace their greatest skill—parenting—and fostered seven siblings who had endured a devastating loss in May 2018.

Pam and Gary Willis, hailing from Menifee, California, already had five biological children. Thus, when Pam learned about a tragic car crash that claimed the lives of the parents of seven siblings, she was deeply moved.

She said:

“I saw how much these kids needed someone to love them because they had no one else to go to. I called the adoption service every week to show them how much I wanted to help these children.”

Her persistence and determination to help the children were unwavering. Finally, her efforts paid off.

Pam, a 49-year-old attorney, along with her husband, a US Navy veteran, opened their home to Adelino, 15, Ruby, 13, Alicia, 8, Anthony, 7, Aubriella, 6, Leo, 5, and Xander, 4.

The mother described it as "instant love" the moment they met. Glancing at her husband, they both understood they were "doing the right thing."

Having fostered children for years, they were no strangers to helping those in need. However, the heartrending story of these particular children moved them to reconsider adoption.

Upon arriving home, the children faced challenges with settling in, such as building trust and overcoming sleep issues. Nevertheless, the family quickly formed a strong bond, and the children have been a source of immense joy.

They've even begun to call them mom and dad!

Their bond was further solidified following a trip to Disneyland.

Recently, they took part in a pumpkin patch event where the children diligently practiced proper mask-wearing etiquette!

The children are enjoying a nice pasta bowl together.

The ones that flapped their wings and left the nest soon came to meet their new siblings.

Pam said:

“My older kids were very welcoming and treated the younger ones like their own. It is pretty full-on looking after seven children so my older two daughters do help out whenever I need a hand.”

Now, these amazing people are the proud parents of 12 children, and they enjoy every minute of it!

In An Instagram post, Pam wrote:

“13 months of sharing our story. So much support and love from you all! I am humbled. 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’!”

Yet, a large family always faces certain challenges, but they all claim they wouldn’t change a thing.

Pam added:

“We have never looked back since the day We met them and never doubted what we’re doing is the right thing to do. 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.”

Though children may never forget their departed parents, and no one can truly take their place in their hearts, the new family has become remarkably close-knit.

In striving to offer them a second chance at a decent life and a nurturing home, these remarkable individuals teach their children to love unreservedly and to savor life.